By Steve Agbota and Idu Jude, Abuja
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has announced the appointment of Mr. Adeniran Aderogba as the first President and Chief Executive Officer of the Regional Maritime Development Bank as approved by President Bola Tinubu.
The approval, according to the Minister, marks the historic takeoff of a project that has been in the works since 2009, when member states of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) first approved the establishment of the bank.
Oyetola, while announcing the appointment, stated that the long delay in operationalising the institution is now over, with President Tinubu breaking yet another jinx and giving a much-needed boost to the regional maritime sector.
“This is a moment of great significance for Nigeria and the entire West and Central African sub-region.
“After 16 years of waiting, the Regional Maritime Development Bank is finally taking off, thanks to the decisive leadership of President Bola Tinubu. His approval not only breaks a longstanding deadlock but also reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, maritime development, and economic cooperation.”
The Minister further states that the Regional Maritime Development Bank is envisioned as a dedicated financial institution that will provide long-term funding solutions for port infrastructure, fleet acquisition, shipping logistics and intermodal transport systems.
He added that it is a cornerstone initiative aligned with the present administration, which prioritises infrastructure development, inclusive economic growth and regional partnership.
The Minister said Mr. Aderogba brings over three decades of strategic experience in maritime administration, finance, and investment.
“His appointment is a bold and competent choice that will steer the bank from conception to impact,” he said.
Mr. Aderogba’s extensive career spans the public and private sectors. He previously served as Executive Director, Finance and Administration at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and was later appointed Acting Director General of the agency. In the financial sector, he held senior leadership roles at First Atlantic Bank Plc and MBC International Bank Ltd, where he oversaw investment banking and structured trade finance.
He is also the founder of CLG Securities Limited, a financial advisory and investment services firm. Over his career, he has led transactions exceeding US$5 billion across diverse sectors, including landmark deals recognized internationally. Mr. Aderogba also began his career with KPMG, where he gained foundational experience in auditing and financial consulting.
A respected thought leader in financial markets, Mr. Aderogba has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s financial infrastructure, helping to introduce critical instruments such as the Nigerian Inter-Bank Offered Rate (NIBOR) and the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Fixing (NiFEX). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a graduate of the University of Lagos, and currently serves on the advisory board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.
“The appointment of Mr. Aderogba and the operationalization of the RMDB will catalyze development, boost trade, and unlock funding for critical maritime infrastructure,” the Minister stated.
He added: “This achievement is yet another testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering resolve to deliver on long-standing commitments and drive transformative change across the region.”