Headlines
NPA elevates 17 senior staff
—-as Nasiru confirmed as agency’s spokesman.
Eyewitness reporter
Ibrahim Nasiru, the former Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been elevated as the new General Manager and confirmed as the substantive spokesman of the agency.
His appointment was part of the new disposition announced by the management of the super-rich government agency in which seven staff were promoted to the new positions of General Managers and another 10 moved up to the positions of Assistant General Managers.
In the statement signed by the just promoted General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, NPA, Ibrahim Nasiru, the new appointment was in line with the management’s commitment to the employees’ motivation and service excellence.
The new General Managers include Moltok Josephine Adar, formerly the Asst. General Manager – Overseas Office as General Manager Servicom;
Ahmad M. Umar, formerly the Asst. General Manager Accounts, now General Manager Human Resources;
Sheidu-Shabi Khadija Ife, formerly the Asst. General Manager Environment now General Manager MD’s Office and Ngini Chukwuma, formerly Asst. General Manager Facility Management as the General Manager, Lands and Asset Administration.
Others are former Asst. General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Nasiru, who is now General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications while Odunsi Opeoluwa, formerly Asst. General Manager Finance is the new General Manager Finance and Mohammed Shehu, formerly Asst. General Manager Procurement who takes over as General Manager, Tariff & Billing.
While congratulating the new heads of divisions on their appointments, the acting Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, admonished them to regard their new appointments as a call to duty and service to the nation while urging them to commit their optimal best to achieving the vision of the Authority.
Their appointments take immediate effect.
The appointment and elevation of Nasiru has broken the long chain of being used as a traditional stopgap in the Corporate and Strategic Communications department where he has become a serial acting spokesman before substantive General Managers were appointed .
Stakeholders, who hailed his appointment as the Chief spokesman of NPA, believed the appointment of Nasiru will inject new impetus and fresh ideas into a department that has hitherto become a dumpsite for non-professional public relations experts and a rehabilitation center for retiring NPA senior staff.
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Headlines
Oyetola inaugurates, charges new NIMASA, NIWA boards to steer clear of management duties
–but provide policy direction for operational efficiency
Funso OLOJO
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday, 2nd July 2025, formally inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASOLOJOA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in a dual ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reposition the maritime sector for maximum national impact.
He said the exercise represented not merely a routine constitutional process, but a vital step in consolidating the structures that will drive the marine and blue economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national development.
The Minister highlighted Nigeria’s strategic maritime position along the Gulf of Guinea and an expansive 850-kilometre coastline, noting the country’s potential to benefit substantially from activities such as shipping, fisheries, marine biotechnology, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
He recalled that it was in recognition of these opportunities that President Tinubu, in 2023, established the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to provide focused leadership, regulation and promotion of the country’s ocean-based economy.
Addressing the newly appointed members of the NIMASA Board, the Honourable Minister outlined the critical mandate of the Agency, which includes maritime safety, labour regulation, marine environmental protection and capacity development.
He emphasised that the Board’s role is to formulate policies and provide oversight for the Agency’s operations, without interfering in its day-to-day management.
Oyetola reiterated President Tinubu’s clear directive that the responsibilities of Governing Boards are strictly non-executive and policy-focused.
He urged the Board to operate in the national interest, with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.
The Minister then proceeded to officially inaugurate the NIMASA Board, chaired by Yusuf Abubakar.
Other members include Babatunde Bombata representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu representing the Nigerian Navy, Arc. Yinusa Yakubu, Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir, Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Director General.
Other members of the Board include Hon. Chudi Offodile, Executive Director, Finance and Administration; Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi, Executive Director, Operations; and Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service.
In his response on behalf of the Board, the Chairman, Yusuf Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve.
He described the appointment as not just a privilege, but a call to national duty.
Abubakar also thanked Oyetola for his leadership and for the confidence reposed in the Board.
He assured that the Board would work closely with the NIMASA management team to foster transparency, innovation and professionalism, in line with the strategic vision of the Federal Government.
He pledged the Board’s full alignment with the Minister’s policy direction, noting that the team would work collaboratively and diligently to realise the goals of a secure and prosperous maritime domain for Nigeria.
The Minister also inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which he described as another critical pillar in Nigeria’s maritime and transport architecture.
He said the new Board comes at a time when effective institutional leadership is needed to drive infrastructure development, regulate inland water activities, promote water transport and support economic integration across regions.
Oyetola reminded the NIWA Board that their role is to provide strategic policy guidance and supervision, in accordance with the NIWA Act, while operational execution remains the responsibility of the Managing Director and the management team.
He drew attention to both the NIWA Act and relevant sections of the Public Service Rules and Public Procurement Act, which underscore the distinction between governance and management.
He urged the Board to approach its duties with discipline, professionalism, and a clear understanding of institutional boundaries, adding that national interest and development must guide every decision.
He formally inaugurated the NIWA Board, which is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarki Adar.
Other members include Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, who also serves as the Managing Director; Mr. Hussaini Shettima; Mr. Jeminiwa Adewale Charles; Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe; Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar; Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro; Capt. Tajudeen Alao; Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye; Capt. Jerome Angwunwe; and Hon. Hoplyn Euore Ayu.
Speaking on behalf of the NIWA Board, the Chairman, Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the trust placed in them.
He praised the Honourable Minister for his guidance and pledged the commitment of the Board to give their best in the service of the nation.
He promised that the NIWA Board would work harmoniously with the management and operate within its mandate to ensure the Authority fulfils its role in facilitating inland waterways transportation and economic connectivity.
In concluding the double ceremony, Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s support for both Boards and expressed confidence in the ability of the newly inaugurated members to discharge their responsibilities with honour and dedication.
He reminded them that the task ahead is significant, but so too is the opportunity to effect meaningful and lasting change.
He wished them a successful tenure and charged them to serve with clarity of purpose and a deep commitment to national development.
Headlines
Shippers’ Council prepares staff for new role under the proposed Port Economic Regulatory Agency Act.
— trains first batch of 16 middle- level officers
Funso OLOJO
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC) has commenced preparations for the eventual transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency(NPERA).
It could be recalled that the bill that will transmute the council into the Economic Regulatory council has been passed by the National Assembly( the House of Representatives and the Senate) but awaiting the assent of the President.
However, to prepare the staff to take up the new responsibilities that the new status will impose on the council, the agency has selected 16 middle- level officers who went through rigorous and tedious selection process.
The selected officers were put through the Middle Management Leadership Development Programme(MMLDP) of the Council’s Succession Planning Strategy on June 30th, 2025.
The induction ceremony, held in Lagos, marked a significant milestone for the Council.
It is the first initiative of its kind, involving 16 carefully selected middle management staff, each with at least five years remaining in service.
The programme is designed to ensure leadership continuity, preserve institutional memory, and drive sustained organizational growth.
In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Akutah Pius, expressed his delight at the commencement of the programme.
He acknowledged the rigorous selection process and congratulated the participants for emerging successful in what he described as a highly competitive exercise.
“You did well to be here,” Dr. Akutah said.
“I know how thorough the selection process was, and I’m not surprised by the faces I see today.
“Some of you I have met personally, others have worked closely with me. I know your potential, and it’s no surprise you made it this far.”
He encouraged the participants to remain committed and hardworking, noting that the programme marks the beginning of broader institutional transformation.
“Succession planning is not a one-time event. This programme will become a permanent fixture within the Council,” he stated.
Dr. Akutah urged the participants to see the opportunity as a stepping stone to becoming future leaders in the maritime and regulatory sectors.
He reaffirmed his confidence in the calibre of resource persons facilitating the programme and emphasized the importance of local capacity development.
“I believe in local content and in enhancing the capabilities within our organization.
” That is the essence of this initiative,” he said.
“Some of you may not have been appropriately placed during your initial recruitment despite your qualifications.
” But this is how the civil service works—you enter, you grow. The window for growth and better positioning is now open.”
With the NSC’s transition into NPERA nearing completion—pending the signing of the enabling bill—Dr. Akutah spoke about the fresh opportunities ahead.
“We’re on the brink of creating a new agency with new structures, departments, and culture.
” This is your chance to prove yourselves and be considered for key leadership roles.”
He concluded by expressing optimism about the participants’ future contributions to both the Council and the wider port and logistics sector.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has spotlighted this sector as a key driver of economic growth.
“We need professionals who can compete globally. As we build an agency that matches international standards, you will be at the forefront of this transformation. We count on your sound minds and sound training to help chart that path forward.” he declared.
Headlines
Melsmore Marine bows to pressure as it engages MWUN in peace talk over dispute on staff welfare
Funso OLOJO
In a bid to forestall possible disruption of its operations by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria(MWUN) , the MELSMORE Marine Limited has engaged the leadership of the maritime labour union in a peace talk in a bid to diffuse the growing tension between the two parties.
It would be recalled that the MWUN has given the company an ultimatum to improve on the welfare of its staff, some of whom are members of the union or risks being picketed by the angry association.
However, before the expiration of the 21 – day ultimatum, the management of the Marine company has reportedly reached out to the union to stave off any industrial dislocation.
In the peace talk, both parties are exploring available avenue to reach amicable agreement that will bring mutual benefits to both sides.
To give room to a peaceful negotiation and resolution of the conflict, the MWUN has therefore announced the suspension of the ultimatum while the peace talk is still in progress
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