Abuja, June 30, 2025 – The federal government is committed to institutional reform of the Nigerian port system to enhance trade facilitation and boost transparency.
Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said this in Abuja on Monday while inaugurating the newly constituted governing board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
He said the reform of the port system would also unluck the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
The minister advised members of the new board to approach their assignment with discipline, focus, and a firm commitment to national interest as their role was pivotal to the development of a competitive and efficient port system.
He said the Nigerian Ports Authority Act assigned critical policy oversight responsibilities to the governing board, particularly in areas concerning staffing and budgetary matters.
The minister, however, advised the board to steer clear away from the day-to- day management of the ports as that remains the exclusive responsibility of the Managing Director and the executive management team.
He said the distinction was vital for operational integrity and is clearly outlined in both the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
“It is important to emphasise that the day-to-day operations and execution of policy decisions remain solely the responsibility of the Managing Director and the Management Team.
“This is clearly stipulated in Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and further reinforced by the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency.
“The Board is to provide policy direction and supervision in line with government directives, but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution.
“To the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, I enjoin you to engage constructively with the Board in a manner that reflects professionalism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility. Institutional harmony is vital, and this can only be achieved through cooperation, transparency, and unwavering dedication to national service.
“To the newly inaugurated Board Members, I congratulate you. I urge you to approach this assignment with discipline, focus, and a firm commitment to national interest. Your role is pivotal to the development of a competitive and efficient port system, one that meets global standards and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation,” the honourable minister said.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Board, Adedayo Adeyeye, its chairman, thanked the federal government for their appointment.
He commended the composition of the board and affirmed the determination of the board to work in closely with the management and the ministry to ensure a successful and impactful tenure.
Members of the board include Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (Chairman), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (Managing Director), Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju (Member), Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris (Member), Barr. Kelechi Igwe (Member), Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel (Member) and Dr. Mercy Ilori (Member), representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Others are Ibrahim Abba Umar (Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services), Olalekan Badmus (Executive Director, Marine and Operations) and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet (Executive Director, Finance and Administration.
