Presidency Confirms Suspension Of NPA Boss, Hadiza

The presidency, Thursday, confirmed the suspension of the managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman.

The suspension of Hadiza was contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, he noted that, her suspension was approved following recommendation of a panel of inquiry.

“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 statement said.

“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.”

According to a source at the Ministry of Transportation, Ms Usman has been replaced by Mohammed Koko, NPA’s director of finance, albeit in acting capacity.

Hadiza was appointed as NPA Managing Director in 2016 and has repeatedly propagated her reform policies that sought to redirect the organisation, which is one of the top revenue-generating entities of the Federal Government.