Oyetola Inaugurates NIMASA Board, Charges them on Strategic Direction, Support for Dr Mobereola-led Management Team

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Wednesday inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) at a brief ceremony held at the Ministry in Abuja.

Members of the NIMASA Governing Boaord includes; Mr Hamisu Yusuf Abubakar as Chairman, Babatunde Bombata, Dr Dayo Mobereola, Emmanuel Igbinosu, Rear Admiral P.C Nwatu, Arch Yinusa Yakubu, Fidelis Lorkoso Agbir, Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun, Hon Chudi Ofodile, Eng Fatai Taiye Adeyemi and Mr Jibril Abba.

Oyetola while inaugurating the distinguished board members urged them steer NIMASA in a direction that aligns with national aspirations and the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to him, the decisions and policies of the NIMASA board must be guided by national interests and directed towards the betterment of Nigeria and the advancement of economy.

Oyetola said “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu trusts you to bring your experience, integrity and sound judgment to bear in ensuring that the agency not only fulfils its mandate, but also serves as a catalyst for the sustainable development of Nigeria and the economy.

“As board members, your role is to provide strategic direction, not to manage, but to guide, to question and to uphold the values of transparency, accountability and national service. You are to support the management team while holding them to the highest standard of performance.

“Permit me to especially recognize the chairman of the board, Hamisu Yusuf Abubakar whose leadership is expected to help co-discipline affairs of strategic governance.
I trust that under his guidance, the board will work harmoniously and effectively to help the management of NIMASA to greater heights”

The Blue Economy minister reiterated that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the non-executive nature of Governing Board chairperson’s roles and questions against interference in the day-to-day operations of agencies.

“It is important that this principle guides your conduct in the discharge of your duties” Oyetola told the board members

Continuing, he said “Your duties as members of the governing board of NIMASA is an enormous one. Section 6 of the NIMASA Act rests in the governing board the power to formulate policies for the administration of the agency and to provide general oversight of the effective discharge of its statutory functions.

“Therefore, today’s inauguration of the board is not merely symbolic, it represents a renewed opportunity to steer the agency in a direction that aligns with our national aspirations.

“Your appointment by the president is not by chance. It is rooted in sound capability of listening and a trust in your capability to captain one of the most important agencies in our nation”

While responding on behalf of all the board members, the Chairman Governing Board of NIMASA, Mr Hamisu Yusuf Abubakar appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for for entrusting them with such a great national assignment.

“We consider this appointment not just a privilege, but a call to serve with integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda” he said

While commending the visionary leadership of Minister Oyetola, Hamisu assured the Minister of the total alignment of the NIMASA Governing Board members with the policy, trust, and strategic direction that has been set for the marine and blue economy sector. 

“The task ahead is very clear, we are fully aware that NIMASA occupies a pivotal position in the actualization of Nigeria’s economic diversification goal, particularly the enormous potential of our blue economy. As a board, we are resolute in our commitment to providing strategic oversight and guidance that will strengthen NIMASA’s institutional capacity and drive performance.

“We assure you and through you, the general public, that this board will work in close synergy with the management and staff of NIMASA to foster a culture of transparency, professionalism, and innovation.

“We will work as one team, united by purpose and driven by result, to ensure that the vision of Mr. President for a prosperous and secure maritime domain is fully realized.
I want to on behalf of my colleagues, pledge our loyalty, expertise, and dedication to this national assignment. We are ready to serve and by God’s grace we will not fail you” he assured.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olorunfemi Oloruntola stated that the establishment of the board of the various agencies is integral to deepening their governance, operational focus and alignment with the vision of the president.

“With your appointment, a great deal of trust has been placed in your collective capacity to provide policy direction, oversight and strategic guidance. You are stepping into a role that calls for clear vision, integrity and service.

“We are confident that your leadership will bring new energy and perspectives to the work ahead” he said.