The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has been nominated as the recipient of the “Marine and Blue Economy Pacesetter Award” by Maritime Media Limited, organisers of the annual Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA).
The award, according to the organizers, is in recognition of Oyetola’s painstaking efforts to midwife the new ministry through his innovative leadership skill.
In a letter signed by Elder Asu Beks, on behalf of the Editorial Board of Maritime Media Limited, Oyetola was commended for his engagement with critical stakeholders to develop a robust legal and policy framework, essential for navigating the complexities of the marine and blue economy sector.
“As a thorough bred and a renowned technocrat, you have also been strategic in your drive to ensure that only the best minds and brains are assembled for the tasks ahead,” the letter addressed to Oyetola reads in part.
The board also acknowledged Oyetola’s recent global campaign to secure Nigeria’s return to Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, a move that received commendation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The letter reads, “Your Excellency sir, you have also proven the doubting Thomases wrong with your recent unequivocal commitment to ensure that the controversial Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, CVFF, is disbursed under your watch.
“Your wins as pioneer Minister of Marine and Blue Economy cannot be complete without a mention of your recent victory at the Federal Executive Council, FEC,meeting where you secured the Federal Government’s approval for Infrastructure upgrade at the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports.
“Or have we forgotten how you mobilized maritime stakeholders and the leadership of the House of Representatives towards a quick and seamless passage of the Ports and Shipping Economic Regulatory Authority bill which is awaiting concurrence at Senate, a development that will see the Nigerian Shippers Council transiting to the sole regulatory agency in the maritime sector.
“Consequently, the Editorial Board of Maritime Media Ltd, have found you worthy and eminently qualified for this award,given your exemplary leadership skills which stands you out not only as a team player ,but a silent achiever. ”
The investiture ceremony, which will be chaired by Dr (Sen) George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The Maritime Industry Merit Awards, now in its 27th year, has continued to celebrate excellence and outstanding contributions within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
