As earlier reported by some sections of the media, the Federal Government has commenced a sweeping change of heads of agencies and parastatals in the maritime sector, beginning with removal of the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Emmanuel-Lyambee Jime and the Managing Director of Nigerian Inland Waterways Agency (NIWA), Dr George Moghalu and appointed new chief executives for the two organisations.
According to a statement by the Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, the President on Wednesday approved the appointment of Mr Akutah Pius Ukeyima as new Exective Secretary/CEO of NSC and Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji as the MD/CEO of NIWA, as recommended by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Providing insights into the qualification of both chief executives, Ngelale stated: “Alhaji Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji is a graduate of Banking and Finance and holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Business Administration. He is an Economist with industry experience of more than 28 years before he entered the public service. In the public service, he first reversed the downward trajectory of the Osun State Investment Company Limited before serving as the Osun State Commissioner of Finance for eight years.
“Mr. Akutah Ukeyima is a graduate of Law and holds a Master’s degree in Public International Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He most recently served as the Head of the Central Authority Unit, International Cooperation in Criminal Matters, Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation.”
Following the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, industry stakeholders have said a massive change was expected in the various maritime agencies.
“President Bola Tinubu tasks the new appointees in this vital sector to faithfully implement the policies and programmes of the Honourable Minister in pursuit of the expeditious and efficient attainment of bolstered revenues and investments as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s Blue Economy strategy,” the presidential spokesman stated.
