Oyetola inaugurates NIMASA board, tasks members on national interest
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday, inaugurated the 11-member governing board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency in Abuja.
During the event, Oyetola urged the board to put Nigeria’s interest first and work hard to grow the maritime sector.
He reminded them that their decisions must help the country’s economy and be guided by national needs.
He said, “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.
“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.
“Your 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.
“The 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.”
The minister also reminded the members that their job is to give direction and support, not to interfere with day-to-day operations.
“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.
“To 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’s 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,” he added.
The new board chairman, Yusuf Abubakar, on behalf of the members, promised to serve with dedication and purpose.
Abubakar said, “The task ahead is very clear. We are fully aware that NIMASA occupies a pivotal position in the actualisation of Nigeria’s economic diversification goal and, 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 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 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.”
Other board members include 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.
Source: Punch
