Oyetola blasts agency heads, demands results, accountability

From Idu Jude, Abuja

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has issued a firm warning to heads of agencies under his Ministry, insisting on strict accountability and the delivery of tangible results.

Oyetola delivered the warning during the signing of performance bonds with the heads of maritime agencies during the Ministerial Management Retreat held alongside the 2026 first quarter stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos on Thursday, where he stressed the importance of performance-driven governance. “Let me emphasise that all Departments and Agencies under the Ministry must remain firmly focused on delivering tangible results,” he said.

He noted that performance bonds to be signed during the retreat are binding commitments that will be closely monitored and rigorously evaluated.

“These are not ceremonial documents. They are binding commitments. Accountability will not be optional,” the Minister declared. Oyetola highlighted the need for data-driven decision-making, robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and alignment with the Ministry’s strategic objectives.

“At the institutional level, we must remain disciplined and accountable. Every department and agency must deliver measurable outcomes,” he added. He further explained that the retreat was designed to foster alignment between policy formulation, implementation, and stakeholder expectations.

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

The high point of the event was the signing of performance bonds between the Minister and heads of agencies under the ministry. 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.