Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Managing Director (MD) Ms Hadiza Bala Usman has been suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari, who also approved the setting up of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the agency’s management under her watch.
The suspension followed the recommendation of Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi.
Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, the agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, has been named to act as MD.
According to a statement by the President’s Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, Ms. Bala Usman has been asked to step aside to pave the way for the investigation.
The panel is to be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry of Transportation while the Deputy Director, Legal in the ministry will serve as Secretary to the panel.
Other members of the panel will be appointed by the minister.
The full statement by the Presidency on the suspension reads:
“President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the recommendation of the Ministry of Transportation under Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for the setting up of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA.
The President has also approved that the Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman step aside while the investigation is carried out. Mr Mohammed Koko will act in that position.
The panel is to be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry while the Deputy Director, Legal of the same ministry will serve as Secretary.
Other members of the panel will be appointed by the Minister.”
Ms Bala Usman would contest her removal. She was reportedly confirmed for a second term barely a few weeks ago.
She was appointed as NPA Managing Director in 2016 and frequently propagated her reform policies that sought to redirect the organisation, which is one of the top revenue-generating entities of the Nigerian government.