The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved the appointment of Dr. Bolaji Akinola as his adviser on media and communications.
Akinola, an esteemed maritime and corporate communications expert, brings over 25 years of industry experience and profound sector knowledge to the role. Throughout his distinguished career, he has earned widespread recognition for his insightful analysis of Nigeria’s maritime industry and his expertise in strategic communication.
He currently serves as the chief executive officer of Ships and Ports Communication Company, a leading maritime media and public relations organisation. Akinola is well known for his contributions to discussions on port reforms, maritime security, shipping development and the broader Blue Economy landscape in Nigeria.
Akinola holds a doctorate in media and communications from the Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos. His academic achievements also include an MBA from Lagos Business School and a master’s degree in transport management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. He is a member of several professional bodies, including the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitration (UK) and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN). Between 2011 and 2014, he served as executive secretary of the Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX). He is also a Fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (FNIS), the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (FCISN), among others.
In his new role as media and communications adviser, Akinola will be tasked with shaping media relations, guiding the ministry’s communication strategies and ensuring the effective dissemination of information about its policies and initiatives aimed at unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s marine resources. His extensive experience is expected to strengthen the ministry’s engagement with stakeholders, the media and the general public.
The appointment reflects the minister’s determination to enhance the ministry’s communication framework and ensure that the vision and accomplishments within the crucial Marine and Blue Economy sector are communicated clearly and effectively.
Responding to his appointment, Akinola expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the minister. He described the Marine and Blue Economy as a “vital pillar for Nigeria’s economic diversification” and pledged to use his expertise to communicate the minister’s vision and the ministry’s strategic goals to all stakeholders and citizens.
“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in me by the minister. It is a privilege to serve in this capacity and I look forward to contributing my quota to this important national assignment,” he said.
Akinola is expected to bring his trademark professionalism and depth of insight to support the minister’s mission of realising the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
