The Minister, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola has demonstrated quality leadership in steering Agencies under his ministry into unprecedented performance under his watch.

L-R: DG NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola; Secretary-General IMO, Mr Arsenio Dominguez; Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola and Charge d’Affairs, High Commission of Nigeria, London, Ambassador Mohammed Maidugu, at a lunch reception organised by Nigeria at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) headquarters in London prior to the election

His choice of Dr. Bolaji Akinola as his media adviser/spokesman, has ensured seamless communication between the ministry and media as Akinola, a seasoned, multi media practitioner, traverses the print and electronic media. My personal relationship with Dr. Akinola is over two decades of sweet memories, which i should reserve for another day and time.

The Blue Economy Minister has been firm and thorough. From Abuja to Lagos, he has ensured that nothing is left to chance as the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency, NIMASA, the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the National Inland Waterways Authority, NIWA, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, MAN, Oron all reflect the purposefulness, direction and strategic acumen of the Minister.

His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Drastically reduced are issues of duplication of functions as the emphasis on efficiency, competitiveness, adoption of international best practices and attracting Foreign Direct Investments, FDI, have been given priority over unhealthy rivalry among parastatals under the ministry owing to the minister’s leadership dexterity and commanding foresight.

By his regular interactions, engagements and sessions with maritime Chief Executives, Minister Oyetola, has been able to trash diversionary issues as compliance, accountability, Key Performance Indicators, KPIs clearly spelt out to head of maritime Agencies and Institutions have eliminated distractions culminating in the election of Nigeria into Category C of the International Maritime Organization, IMO, ending a fourteen year drought-notwithstanding Nigeria’s huge contributions to maritime safety and security within and beyond the Gulf of Guinea, GoG.

The Diplomatic shuttles, meetings, the intensity and frequency of the encounters/exchanges leading to Nigeria’s victory could not have been easy.

“Nigeria is ready to work with IMO Member States to strengthen the pillars of global maritime growth. Our goal is to build enduring bridges of cooperation that will outlast election cycles and deliver impact for future generations,” Oyetola assured IMO member states.

Having secured the victory, it is our expectation that 2026, being a post general election year, shall not  distract the minister and his men from  IMO compliance  and regulations concerns as the general elections of 2027 could be decisive for the Ministry and its agencies.

This is once again congratulation the minister, all maritime CEOs and their respective spokespersons for the untiring efforts at media coordination including the numerous outreach programs leading to the IMO election victory.

My sparing partner at Monday Mooring, MM, Akin Ahmad, is of the view that we allow stakeholders enjoy this festive season and sail into 2026 in calm waters!

Happy, prosperous, very fulfilling 2026 in advance to all maritime stakeholders and colleagues!