Oyetola Appoints Maritime Communications Expert, Dr Bolaji Akinola, as Media Adviser

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, in a strategic move to bolster the communication capacity of the Ministry, has announced the appointment of Dr Bolaji Akinola as his Adviser on Media and Communications.

Dr Akinola, a distinguished authority in maritime affairs and corporate communications, brings to the role over twenty-five years of industry experience and an impressive track record in media engagement and strategic communication.

His appointment is expected to significantly reinforce the Ministry’s public engagement and policy communication framework.

Widely respected for his deep insight into the maritime sector, Dr Akinola is the Chief Executive Officer of Ships & Ports Communication Company, a leading organisation in maritime media and public relations.

He has consistently contributed to national discourse on port reforms, maritime security, shipping development, and the burgeoning Blue Economy—areas central to Nigeria’s efforts to harness its marine potential for sustainable development.

An academic of notable credentials, Dr Akinola holds a Doctorate in Media and Communications from Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos.

His academic portfolio also includes an MBA from Lagos Business School and a Master’s degree in Transport Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho.

He is a Fellow of both the Nigerian Institute of Shipping (FNIS) and the Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (FCISN), and has held key roles in professional bodies, including serving as Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Maritime Conference and Exhibition (NIMAREX) between 2011 and 2014.

Dr Akinola’s membership spans reputable professional organisations such as the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), the Chartered Institute of Arbitration, UK, and the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), further solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in maritime communications.

As Media and Communications Adviser, Dr Akinola will be tasked with shaping the Ministry’s media relations strategy, directing its communications policies, and ensuring the effective dissemination of information relating to the Ministry’s policies, programmes, and initiatives.

His appointment is seen as a critical step in amplifying the Ministry’s message as it seeks to unlock the immense value embedded in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Akinola expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in him by the Honourable Minister.

“I am deeply honoured and humbled by the confidence reposed in me by the Honourable Minister, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola. The Marine and Blue Economy is a vital frontier for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth. I am committed to deploying my expertise to effectively communicate the Honourable Minister’s vision and the Ministry’s strategic initiatives to all stakeholders and the Nigerian people,” he said.

Dr Akinola’s wealth of experience and seasoned professionalism are expected to enhance the Ministry’s visibility and stakeholder engagement, as it continues to champion policies aimed at maximising Nigeria’s maritime assets for national prosperity.