Kelechi Igwe Takes Seat on NPA Board, Vows to Champion Reforms

Barrister Eric Kelechi Igwe, the immediate past Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State, has pledged to prioritise transparency and institutional reforms as he formally joined the Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Igwe was inaugurated on Monday in Abuja alongside other board members by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola. The ceremony marked a significant step in the federal government’s efforts to reposition the NPA in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic agenda.

Addressing journalists after the inauguration, Igwe, who served for eight years as Ebonyi’s Deputy Governor, said he would draw on his experience in governance and public administration to strengthen the ports system.

“This appointment is an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development beyond my home state. Nigeria’s ports are critical gateways to our economy. We must modernise operations, entrench accountability, and create an environment that attracts investment,” he stated.

The Minister, in his remarks, charged the new board to focus on strategic policy direction and avoid interfering in daily management, underscoring that harmony between the board and the agency’s leadership was crucial to delivering results.

Other members inaugurated include Senator Adebayo Adeyeye (Chairman), Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju, Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris, Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel, and Dr. Mercy Ilori, who represents the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Also on the board are Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services), Engr. Olalekan Badmus (Executive Director, Marine and Operations), and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet (Executive Director, Finance and Administration).

Igwe, a lawyer and seasoned administrator, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and assured stakeholders of his commitment to policies that would drive efficiency and revenue growth across the ports.

With the new board in place, attention is now on Barr. Eric Kelechi Igwe to leverage his experience as a former deputy governor to advance governance reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector.