By Promise Dera
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the 11-member governing board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
During the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, on Wednesday, the Minister emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interest in the Board’s decisions and policies.
Minister Oyetola charged the Board to prioritize national interest and work towards the development of the maritime sector. He directed that the Board’s decisions and policies should be guided by the need to grow the country and advance its economy.
The Minister’s directive is expected to shape the Board’s approach to managing the maritime sector and promoting the country’s economic interests. The newly inaugurated Board is tasked with driving growth and development in the maritime industry.
He said, 鈥淭oday鈥檚 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. I must emphasise that the decisions and policies of this board must be guided by national interests and directed towards the betterment of Nigeria and the advancement of our economy.
鈥淵our appointment by the President is not by chance. It is rooted in sound, calculated reasoning and a trust in your capability to captain one of the most important agencies in this country.
鈥淭he administration of President Bola 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 the Nigerian economy鈥.
Oyetola, while highlighting the role of the board, urged them to work harmoniously with the management of the agency.
鈥淎s 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.
鈥淭o echo the clear directive of President Bola Tinubu to all governing boards: Your primary responsibility is to provide oversight and strategic direction, not to micromanage. The President has emphasised the non-executive nature of the Chairperson鈥檚 roles and cautioned against interference in the day-to-day operations of the agency, and it is important that this principle guides your conduct in the discharge of your duties.鈥
Speaking on behalf of the board members, the Chairman of the Board, Mr.Yusuf Abubakar, pledged the Board鈥檚 commitment to serving with dedication, clarity of purpose, and unwavering commitment to Nigerians.
He said, 鈥淭he task ahead is very clear. We are fully aware that NIMASA occupies a pivotal position in the actualisation of Nigeria鈥檚 economic diversification goal and, particularly, the enormous potential of our blue economy.
鈥淎s a Board, we are resolute in our commitment to providing strategic oversight and guidance that will strengthen NIMASA鈥檚 institutional capacity and drive performance.
鈥淲e assure you and 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.
鈥淲e 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鈥.
Other members of the board are: Babatunde H. Bombata, Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu, Arc. Yinusa Yakubu, Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir, Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Hon. Chudi Offodile, Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi and Mr. Jibril Abba.
The inauguration of the NIMASA governing board marks a significant step towards promoting the maritime sector and advancing Nigeria’s economic interests. The Board’s success will depend on its ability to prioritize national interest and drive growth in the industry.
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