Sotonye Inyeinengi-Etomi, major figure in CABOTAGE guidelines& regulations, passes on
Late Sotonye Inyeinengi-Etomi.
Oredola Adeola
Sotonye Inyeinengi-Etomi, the former Chairman of the Ministerial Committee responsible for drafting Nigeria’s CABOTAGE Guidelines and Regulations, and former General Manager, Eastern Ports, Nigerian Ports Authority has passed away.
EnergyDay’s check showed that Inyeinengi-Etomi, until his death was the Managing Partner at George Etomi & Partners a prominent force in the legal and maritime sectors, having served as the General Manager, Eastern Ports, at the Nigerian Ports Authority.
In 2011, he was appointed as the Acting Executive Director, Marine Operations.
The late Sotonye was the brother of Mr. George Etomi, Founder and Principal Partner, of the law firm.
His contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry is very immense, and his distinguished legal career has had a lasting impact.
George Etomi & Partners, full-service commercial law firm, in a statement announcing his death stated that the deceased joined the firm soon after he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1988, after which he rose to become Partner and was instrumental to the establishment of our Port Harcourt branch where he served as Managing Partner.
The statement reads in part:
Sotonye leaves behind a distinguished legal career spanning various commercial transactions and a myriad of different industries. His professional impact goes well beyond just his work at our firm.
He took a sabbatical from the firm to take up appointment as Special Assistant to then Honourable Minister of Transport Dr. Abiye Samuel Precious Sekibo where he played a pivotal role in numerous Economic Reform Committees, contributing to the Expression of Interest on Port Concession and chairing the Finance and other Related Matters Sub Committee on Ports Reform.
His leadership extended to the drafting of the CABOTAGE Guidelines and Regulations as Chairman of the Ministerial Committee.
Before re-joining our firm, he served with distinction at the Nigerian Ports Authority, where his illustrious career saw him hold various key positions, including General Manager of Special Duties, Eastern Ports, Acting Executive Director of Marine and Operations, General Manager of Corporate & Strategic Planning, and Regional Coordinator of Eastern Ports. His expertise extended to legal matters, as he assumed the role of General Manager, Legal and Company Secretary.
We remember Sotonye not only for his professional achievements but also for the warmth and kindness he brought to our workplace. His legacy is etched in the milestones he achieved and the lives he touched throughout his remarkable career.
His absence leaves a void that will be profoundly felt by all who had the privilege of working alongside him. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.
EnergyDay joins the legal and maritime communities to mourn the loss of this esteemed leader, as condolences have poured in from across various professional circles.
Inyeinengi-Etomi’s legacy as a visionary and influential professional will be deeply cherished and remembered.
