Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Adedayo Adeyeye, has scored President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration “almost 99 percent” for its performance in the last two years, praising what he described as courageous economic reforms that have rescued Nigeria from the brink of collapse.
In an interview with ARISE News, Senator Adeyeye, a key figure in the Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) campaign group, said:
“Those of us who started this campaign, SWAGA, which was the group I led, the foremost campaign organisation for the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we are not disappointed. We have been vindicated that we sold a very capable leader to Nigerians, and he has not disappointed.”
He continued by saying “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been extremely courageous in terms of the economic policies that he has initiated. Number one, the removal of the forced subsidy… Nigeria was almost in ICU by the time President Tinubu took over. There was not even money to pay for importation of fuel, not to talk of subsidising it.”
Adeyeye argued that previous leaders lacked the courage to remove the fuel subsidy, even though they recognised its unsustainability.
“The country was bankrupt, absolutely bankrupt. We were like Father Christmas to neighbouring countries. He took a very bold decision that others were afraid to take.”
He also praised the floating of the naira, calling it “an ingenious step” that curbed widespread abuse in foreign exchange allocation:
“People used to collect dollars through connections at the CBN and sell at the black market. Without doing anything, they made huge profits. Floating the currency ended that rent-seeking behaviour.”
According to him, these reforms have brought stability to the foreign exchange market, allowed better economic planning, and enabled the government to service and repay debt while giving more financial autonomy to state and local governments:
“Now, the state governments and local governments have never had it so good. Many have increased salaries and are investing in projects.”
He also commended the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, he said “It had been on the drawing board for years. Now it’s being implemented. Once completed, it will birth new towns, new economic activities — it will be like the eighth wonder of the world.”
Addressing concerns about inactivity at the Nigerian Ports Authority under his leadership, Adeyeye explained that despite being appointed NPA Chairman in July 2023, he has not been able to fully function due to the absence of a board.
“There is not a board in place as we speak. I am Chairman, appointed and issued a letter of appointment, but I do not have a board over which I could preside. That process is being finalised now. Without boards, no Chairman can function effectively.”
He confirmed that the President has approved the board and they are now awaiting inauguration by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
“You need a board because the body is recognised as the final authority in any agency like that… It is good enough that you are recognised. It is an honour to serve. If your appointment is not effective immediately, bear it in mind that you are ready or not. In due course, it will be effective.”
Asked about the Nigeria Port Economy Regulatory Agency Bill, which has passed through the National Assembly but awaits presidential assent, Adeyeye insisted the delay is not a sign of lack of political will but of careful scrutiny.
“Lawmaking is a shared responsibility. The President must study the bill critically. He’s a meticulous person, not one to rush decisions. At the appropriate time, I believe the President will take action.”
He also acknowledged inter-agency resistance and said the President is likely weighing the potential implications for all parties involved.
“Agencies don’t want their powers taken away. People rush to take positions without critically accounting for all interests. The President is reviewing these complexities. He will act in the national interest.”
On the political climate, Adeyeye dismissed fears of a one-party system emerging in Nigeria, calling the current APC dominance a reflection of Tinubu’s leadership and the weakness of opposition parties.
“What we’re experiencing now is the dominance of a political party, which is the APC. The PDP was dominant for 16 years. The current situation is not unusual — we’ve seen it in countries like Singapore and Japan. So long as the party serves national interest, there’s no harm.”
He added that “People are not necessarily drifting towards APC — they are drifting towards President Tinubu. He has become the bride of Nigerian politics. Many governors now have more money than they know what to do with, thanks to his policies.”
“I call him the Grand Master of Nigerian politics. Since 1999, nobody is as politically savvy as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Adeyeye also addressed concerns over early endorsements and second-term campaign, saying “It’s not too early. In America, campaigns start years before. Even SWAGA began its work in 2020 — during Buhari’s second term. That was four years ahead. Serious political work must start early. By next year, we’ll already be in the primary election season.”
“It has not caused any distraction. The government is working. Everything that needs to be done is being done.”
Reflecting on the social attention that followed his appointment, the Senator said the “heavy traffic” of visitors to his home has eased significantly.
“That is natural in Nigeria. When they saw I had not really taken charge of anything, the traffic drained considerably. But I guess it will pick up again once the board is inaugurated.”
Despite the challenges, Adeyeye said he remains optimistic,he said “It is an honour to serve the country. I want to appeal to others in similar positions to be patient. Your time will come.”
Boluwatife Enome
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