President Bola Tinubu is considering the appointment of Professor Abiodun Sule for the coveted position of Director-General at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), according Presidency sources.
Professor Sule boasts an impressive academic record, holding two PhDs in Maritime Technology Management and Fisheries & Aquaculture. He also earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration and possesses a range of professional certifications, including a Marine Navigation Certificate and a Joint Scandinavian Surveyor Certificate.
His qualifications are further accentuated by a valid MSc degree from WMU Malmoe, Sweden, obtained in 1994, and an extensive catalog of 110 publications and textbooks.
Prof. Sule’s proposed agenda is ambitious and focused on bolstering key sectors of the maritime industry. He aims to enhance existing Aquaculture programs, particularly in Mari-culture and fresh water domains, and revitalize Deep Sea Capture Fisheries and Fisheries Value Chain programs to fortify food security in Nigeria.
Additionally, he intends to collaborate with the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) to implement advanced post-harvest technologies, such as the Thiaroye smoking kiln, to mitigate post-harvest losses among fishermen. The second phase of Fisheries National Stock Assessments is also on his agenda to assess species availabilities and health conditions in Nigerian coastal waters. Moreover, he plans to resurrect abandoned Artisanal fishery training programs and compile accurate data on Fisheries Artisans and Marine fishing to determine their economic contributions.
Currently, Prof. Abiodun Sule holds the esteemed position of Executive Director/CEO at the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research, Lagos. He is not only an accomplished maritime professional but also a certified Marine Captain. His career trajectory has been marked by significant contributions, having served as Provost of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, Victoria Island, Lagos, since January 1, 2015. Prior to this role, he excelled as the Deputy Provost – Academics and Chief Lecturer at the Nautical Science Department of the College.
However, amidst the excitement surrounding this potential appointment, protests have emerged from quarters of individuals claiming that Professor Sule has been embroiled in corruption cases. These allegations remain unverified and will undoubtedly be a subject of thorough scrutiny as the consideration process advances. Sule remains confident as convincing reports suggest that his candidacy is been pushed by senior presidential team members who so much believe that he’s the best hand for the top job.