Even though his pick by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Nigeria’s pioneer Minister of Marine and Blue Economy was unpopular with majority of maritime stakeholders at the time,Mr Adegboyega Oyetola , didnt seem distracted by naysayers. His eyes were focused on the ball, the tangibles and deliverables, in line with the renewed hope agenda.As an acclaimed technocrat , with a background in Insurance and as former Governor of Osun State , Oyetola was quick in drafting his goals for a turn around for an industry that was badly in need of a quick fix.Realising that succesful men are those who set goals for direction,motivation that help them navigate life proactively, Oyetola began to shop for the best hands that would help him drive the vision of the new ministry. As a visionary leader ,his style was that of creating a compelling, future oriented vision, thus bringing to the fore innovative, resilient skills which encourage creativity, willingness to take risks to achieve long term goals.
Innovative leaders like Oyetola are more futuristic, they see beyond immediate challenges while looking at the larger picture, fostering collaboration and a shared sense of purpose. When in 2023 he assumed headship of the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy ,he resisted the temptation of seeking for Nigeria’s election in the IMO category C billed for December of same year. He reasoned that it may turn out to be an exercise in futility ,and that he needed sufficient time to clean the augean stable that had for years bedeviled Nigeria’s maritime administration ,and instead opted to prepare Nigeria for the 2026-2027 biennium. . And to prepare fully for the task of taking Nigeria back to category “C”,Oyetola in Dec 2024, assembled a technical team of “wisemen”to achieve this dream. The team Chaired by Mr Michael Femi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, include Mr Babatunde Bombata, Director of Maritime Safety and Security in the ministry and Dr Paschal Ogar , an assistant Director in the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry who served as Secretary of the Committee. Others on the team include the Director General at the Nigerian Maritine Adminitration and Safety Agency, NIMA, Dr Dayo Monereola, a former DG of NIMASA, Dr Ade Dosunmu, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority , Dr Abubakar Dantsoho and a representative of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb Obinna Chiedu Onowu.
Shipping World investigations revealed that this strategy by Oyetola was a marked departure from previous fire brigade approach where committees were huriedly assembled three months to the election processs, a development that denied Nigeria that elite club for 14 years.
MICHAEL FEMI OLORUNTOLA: As Chairman and leader of the technical team, Oloruntola provided exceptional leadership skills as head of the Secretariat. His motivotional and team player skills proved very useful. He also brought to bear his vast experience in the civil service coupled with his humble disposition made decision taking seamless, as almost always, every member seemed to swim on the same page. ”
ADE DOSUNMU:As a fomer Director General of the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Agency , NIMASA ,Dosunmu deployed his wealth of experience , ensuring that all IMO queries which deprived Nigeria membership of category ” C” were answered and addressed. It is also on record that the last time Nigeria won a category “C ” election in 2009 , it was under Dosunmu’s leadership as helmsman of NIMASA. For a man known for his innovative skills , including the introduction of the signature Seaferers Development Programme, Dosumu’s inclusion in this special purpose vehicle was the game changer.
ABUBAKAR DANTSOHO: As President of PMAWCA and Vice President of International Ports and Harbours, this Taraba born Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority used his influence to unlock seeming barriers. Dantsoho deployed his diplomatic prowess to win dozens of voters for his country. Unknown to many, most of his international engagements became ready tools for the campaign for Nigeria’s return to category ” C”. Dantsoho delivered when it mattered most. ”
DAYO MOBEREOLA: As incumbent Director General at NIMASA, Dayo Mobereola does not require a soothsayer to tell him how crucial this trophy was to him. Having repeatedly promised his boss, Oyetola to “count on me , i will deliver “, Mobereola realised early enough in the day that he has more work to do than other members of the team. He didnt keep his eyes off key areas such maritime safety and security and Shipping development.His focus was on those critical areas for which Nigeria had earned serious reprimand and queries from previous IMO audit queries. He consulted widely ,both at home and abroad , ensuring nothing, was taken for granted. And there is no doubt that his painstaking efforts paid off.
BABATUNDE BOMBATA: Often reffered to as ” The Landlord” on account of his deep understanding of the workings at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Bombata is arguably one of the life wires of the committee. For a man who is always available to take responsibilties and deliver on tasks, he offered himself as a utility player as member of the technical committee. Meanwhile , an elated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his congratulatory message describes ” Nigeria’s election to the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) for the 2026-2027 biennium as a strong affirmation of the country’s growing maritime influence…”
Mr President in a statement signed by Bayo Onanuga, his media aide, said Nigeria re election reflects the international community’s confidence in the nation’s safety, security, enviromental stewardship .