The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority.

The move aims to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of national economic development.

According to a statement on Monday, the inauguration took place at the ministry’s conference room in Abuja.

Oyetola described the inauguration as a vital step in strengthening the governance framework of the NPA and “aligning it with the broader vision of President Bola Tinubu to reform and revitalise key government institutions.”

He said the move underscores the administration’s firm commitment to institutional reforms.

The Osun State former governor stressed that the reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, “boosting transparency, and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy in a manner that is inclusive and sustainable.”

Oyetola noted that the NPA Act assigns critical policy oversight responsibilities to the Governing Board, particularly in areas concerning staffing and budgetary matters.

These roles, he said, are executed primarily through the Board’s staff and establishment committee and its finance committee.

However, he emphasised that the day-to-day management of the Authority remains the exclusive responsibility of the Managing Director and the executive management team.

“Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency. The Board is to provide policy direction and supervision in line with government directives but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution,” he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Board, the Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the other members of the board, praising the composition of the Board and highlighting the collective experience and expertise of its members.