Samson Echenim 
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola on Wednesday in Abuja inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), charging them to join national efforts towards diversification of the Nigerian economy through the maritime sector.
Speaking during a brief inauguration ceremony held at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy complex, Abuja, the minister reiterated the critical role of the maritime secror in helping the current administration to attain its goal of creating a robust economy that could create millions of jobs for Nigerians.
“This administration, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, recognises the enormous potential for marine resources, not only as a revenue source, but as a pillar of economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and national security,” Oyetola said.
He recalled the good intentions of President Bola Tinubu in creating a dedicated ministry for maritime and charged the board chairman, Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar and his team to ensure that the sector plays a leading role in achieving the purpose.
He said: “Let me begin by conveying the warm regards of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to reiterate his unwavering commitment to the transformation of the Nigerian maritime sector. Indeed, with the coastline stretching about 853 kilometres, and Nigeria’s location along the Gulf of Guinea, one of the most strategic maritime corridors in the world, we are well positioned to harness significant economic opportunities for shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology.
“In recognition of this potential, Mr. President, in a visionary move, established the Federal Ministry of Maritime Economy. These bold initiatives aim to provide a dedicated focus and strategic leadership in development, regulation, and promotion of the country’s own shore-based economy. NIMASA, as one of the flagship agencies under this ministry, occupies a central role in this transformation.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Board of NIMASA, Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar thanked the president for finding him and other members of the board worthy to serve the nation.
He maintained that the board is fully aware of importance of NIMASA to the country’s economy and security system.
“…the path ahead is very clear. We are fully aware that NMASA occupies a pivotal position in the actualisation of Nigeria’s economic diversification goal, particularly the enormous potential of our blue economy. We commend your visionary leadership and assure you of our total alignment with the policy, trust and strategic direction you have set for the maritime, marine and blue economy sector,” Abubakar said.
Front roll, 2nd left: Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Perm Sec., MM&BE, Olufemi Oloruntola; Minister of MM&BE, Adegboyega Oyetola; Chairman, NIMASA Board, Yusuf Abubakar; and other members of the Board, during the inauguration of the Board at the FMM&BE complex in Abuja, on Wednesday
He assured that the board will work hard to provide strategic oversight and guidance that will strengthen NMASA’s institutional capacity and drive performance.
“Honourable Minister, we assure you and all Nigerians that this Board will work in close synergy with the management and staff of NMASA to foster a culture of transparency, professionalism and innovation. We would 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 realised,” he added.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Olufemi Oloruntola, while welcoming the minister and the members of the said the moment marked a fresh chapter in the country’s evolution of NIMASA as a vital regulatory and promotional institution within Nigeria’s maritime landscape.
He said: “The establishment of this board is integral to deepening the agency governance operational, focus and alignment with the vision of his excellency the president, President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“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.”
Member of the NIMASA Board are: Mr. Yusuf Abubakar (Chairman), Babatunde Bombata (FMMB&E), Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun (FML), Rear Admiral PC Nwatu, Arc. Yinusa Yakubu, Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir, Iroghama Blessing Ogbefiun, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (DG NIMASA), Hon. Chudi Offodile, (ED, F & A, NIMASA, Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi (ED, Operations, NIMASA) and Mr. Jibril Abba, (ED, ML&CS, NIMASA).
