By Reportcircle Abuja
Nigeria’s maritime industry entered a new phase of leadership on Tuesday as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, approved the appointment of seasoned maritime lawyer Barrister Adenike Adeyele Iyelolu as the country’s new Registrar of Ships—one of the most strategic positions in the sector’s regulatory architecture.
The appointment, recommended by the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, signals a renewed push to strengthen the Nigerian Ship Registry and enhance governance in the nation’s fast-evolving Blue Economy.
Under the NIMASA Act 2007, the Registrar of Ships plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity, competitiveness, and transparency of Nigeria’s ship registry critical for attracting vessel owners, boosting maritime revenue, and improving Nigeria’s standing in global shipping.
The Act clearly states that the Registrar must be appointed from within NIMASA’s ranks, with ministerial approval. Iyelolu, currently a Deputy Director, fits that requirement and brings a track record that positions her for a transformative tenure.
Her four-year appointment takes effect immediately.
A Legal Powerhouse With Two Decades of Maritime Expertise
Described by colleagues as meticulous, strategic, and reform-driven, Iyelolu brings more than 25 years of post-call experience across maritime law, arbitration, procurement, contract administration, and corporate governance.
Her professional portfolio includes high-level work in maritime regulation, institutional leadership, compliance frameworks, and advisory roles that have shaped policy decisions within the agency.
Insiders say her leadership style firm, analytical and collaborative, is expected to inject stability and renewed direction into the ship registry, which remains central to Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.
Her appointment follows the retirement of Barr. Tajudeen Giwa, who served the registry with distinction.
Industry observers believe the transition offers NIMASA an opportunity to modernise its ship registration processes, deepen digitalisation and strengthen the growing momentum around Nigeria’s Blue Economy expansion drive.
NIMASA’s DG, Dr. Mobereola, has consistently prioritised professionalism, compliance, and institutional strengthening since assuming office values that align with Iyelolu’s pedigree.
As the global maritime sector undergoes rapid shifts driven by technology, sustainability demands, and increased competition for vessel registration, Iyelolu’s appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move to position Nigeria for growth.
Her mandate includes improving efficiency, enhancing global confidence in Nigeria’s ship registry, and ensuring the country meets international safety, security and regulatory standards.
The announcement reflects the government’s broader effort to sharpen the administrative backbone of the maritime industry as the Blue Economy becomes a key pillar of national revenue diversification.
The appointment was confirmed in a statement signed by Osagie Edward, Deputy Director and Head of Public Relations at NIMASA.
With Iyelolu now at the helm of the Ship Registry, all eyes will be on how she steers Nigeria’s maritime asset management in the years ahead at a time when the sector’s contribution to national development has never been more critical.
