Federal Government Sets Deadline for Maritime Agencies to Improve Performance

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Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola

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By Godwin Oritse & Folarin Kehinde

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The Federal Government, through the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has issued a strong warning to heads of agencies under the ministry, demanding strict accountability and measurable results.

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Oyetola issued the warning during the signing of performance bonds with heads of maritime agencies at the Ministerial Management Retreat, held alongside the 2026 first-quarter stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos on Thursday, where he emphasised the need for performance-driven governance.

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“Let me emphasise that all Departments and Agencies under the Ministry must remain firmly focused on delivering tangible results,” he said.

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In a statement by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister, Oyetola noted that performance bonds to be signed during the retreat are binding commitments that will be closely monitored and rigorously evaluated.

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“These are not ceremonial documents. They are binding commitments. Accountability will not be optional,” the Minister declared.

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Oyetola reiterated the need for data-driven decision-making, robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and alignment with the Ministry’s strategic objectives.

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“At the institutional level, we must remain disciplined and accountable. Every department and agency must deliver measurable outcomes,” he added.

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He explained that the retreat was designed to foster alignment between policy formulation, implementation, and stakeholder expectations.

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“The integration of this engagement enables us to listen, reflect, and recalibrate,” he said.

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The agencies include the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, National Inland Waterways Authority, Maritime Academy of Nigeria, and the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria.

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