Two Years of Translating Policies to Impacts- Reflecting on my Second Anniversary as Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Nigerian Ports Authority.

All gratitude belongs to Almighty Allah, the Giver of life, wisdom and opportunity. Every position of responsibility is a trust from Him, and every milestone reached is by His grace alone. As I mark my second anniversary in office as Executive Director, Marine and Operations of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), my heart is filled with humility and thanksgiving to Allah for guidance, strength and the privilege to serve humanity and our dear nation, Nigeria.

On January 4, 2024, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, approved my appointment as Executive Director, Marine and Operations of the Nigerian Ports Authority under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. This appointment, which I resumed shortly after, remains one of the highest honours of my public service journey. I am deeply grateful to the President for the confidence reposed in me, and to my leader, mentor and boss, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (CON), whose recommendation, guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental.

It must be clearly stated that whatever achievements recorded in the last two years are products of the visionary and pragmatic leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, anchored on the Renewed Hope Agenda, and the focused, reform-driven supervision of H.E. Oyetola, who has provided clear policy direction, performance benchmarks and institutional discipline across the marine and blue economy sector.

From inception, the task before us was clear: to reposition Nigeria’s ports for efficiency, safety, accountability and global competitiveness. Guided by this mandate, and working closely with my Managing Director, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, alongside the entire management team and dedicated staff of the Authority, we have pursued reforms with diligence and purpose.

Over the last two years, I have actively participated in and supervised critical operational activities across our ports nationwide. These include facility inspections, on-the-spot assessments of marine operations, dredging oversight, and engagements with terminal operators, port managers and service providers to ensure compliance with operational standards. Departments and committees under my supervision have conducted technical evaluations of dredging works to guarantee navigational safety and operational efficiency within our channels.

Capacity building and institutional alignment have also been key priorities. Management retreats and strategic meetings held in Onne, Rivers State, brought together top management staff to review operational performance, strengthen inter-departmental collaboration and align with ministerial and presidential directives. Performance bonds were signed as a commitment to accountability, service delivery and measurable outcomes across departments.

Stakeholder engagement has remained central to our approach. I have worked with industry players, regulators and international partners to promote global best practices, ease of doing business at Nigerian ports and the modernisation of marine operations. These efforts, supported by enabling policies from the Ministry, have contributed to improved operational outcomes and revenue performance for the Authority.

Beyond institutional responsibilities, I remain mindful that governance must reflect human impact. Drawing inspiration from the values of service instilled by my mentor, I have continued to support community development initiatives in Osun State. Through the IleriOluwa Entrepreneurship and Business Support Scheme, small-scale traders have received motorcycles, deep freezers, power generating sets and financial support, particularly women across Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun and Orolu Local Governments.

Our Education Support Scheme has also remained a pillar of intervention, providing free UTME forms to indigent students for several consecutive years, cash support to high-performing candidates and mentorship opportunities. Notably, outstanding beneficiaries continue to receive academic and moral support as they pursue higher education.

Community-focused projects such as borehole rehabilitation and the installation of solar-powered streetlights around Osun state further reflect our belief that public service must translate to improved quality of life for the people.

As I reflect on these two years, I do so with gratitude and renewed commitment. None of these strides would have been possible without the collective effort of the NPA management and staff, the guidance of the Honourable Minister and the steadfast leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. I also sincerely appreciate the support of leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), traditional and religious leaders, professional colleagues, friends, family and all well-wishers who have stood by this journey.

As we look ahead, our resolve remains firm: to deepen reforms, strengthen marine operations and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy potential under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

May Allah continue to guide our leaders, bless our nation, and grant us the wisdom to serve the people more with integrity.

God bless the Nigerian Ports Authority.

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Engr. Olalekan AbdulRahman Badmus, FNSE

Executive Director, Marine and Operations

Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)l