Headlines

Why Hadiza Bala Usman, NPA MD, was sacked.

Eyewitness reporter

In a surprise move, President Mohammadu Buhari, yesterday approved the removal of Hadiza Bala Usman, as the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The sack, which caught many stakeholders, including Hadiza herself on the wrong footing, came against the run of play, given the perceived closeness of Hadiza to the presidency.

It could be recalled that Hadiza was part of the think- tank team who worked tirelessly for the re-election of President Buhari in 2019.

For her visible role, she was rewarded with the second tenure appointment as the MD of the super-rich government agency, six months before her first tenure was over.

However, it was gathered that the perceived closeness with the presidency and the support she enjoyed from her “foster father” Governor El- Rufai of Kaduna state, has given her what a source described as a “false sense of invincibility and unusual boldness” which was said to have made her step on many toes, including that of her direct boss, Rotimi Ameachi, the Minister of Transportation.

Sources claimed that Ameachi, who supported and recommended the appointment of Hadiza for the plum job in 2015 when Habib Abdullahi, the immediate past NPA MD was sacked, never wanted her to come back for the second term.

However, he was beaten to his scheme to get one of his associates appointed.

In a deft political move said to have been masterminded by El- Rufai, Hadiza re-appointment for another second tenure was hastily announced, six months before her first tenure expired, thus effectively frustrating the plan of Ameachi to unseat her.

Sources claimed Hadiza was aware of Ameachi’s opposition to her re-appointment and how he was beaten to his game, a realisation which sources said emboldened Hadiza to act in a way that Ameachi found distasteful and frustrating.

This development, sources said, thereafter led to the collapse of the once-thriving relationship between the two.

However, the development made most of the internal forces against Hadiza have the ears of the Minister in whom they found an ally to unseat Hadiza.

This led to the series of petitions against Hadiza over her alleged financial impropriety, high-handedness, and other activities that border on flagrant abuse of civil service extant laws such as the appointment of staff that defiled due process, favourism and other related allegations.

It was gathered that it was on the basis of this litany of allegations that the Minister recommended to the President that all these allegations should be investigated while Hadiza steps aside.

It was learnt that President Buhari, who defers to Ameachi’s advice, approved that a panel of inquiry is raised to thoroughly investigate the allegations while Hadiza should step aside.

In confirming the Presidential approval, Garba Shehu, the Special Senior Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, in a statement issued yesterday, said President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the setting up of an administrative panel of inquiry to investigate the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Garba Shehu said the approval was granted sequel to the recommendation of the Ministry of Transportation headed by Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

The panel, according to the statement, is to be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry of Transportation while the Deputy Director, Legal of the same Ministry would serve as Secretary.

“Other members of the panel will be appointed by the Minister”, it further said.

Meanwhile, “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 statement declared.

Stakeholders believed that this statement has put paid to the ambition of Hadiza to becoming the longest-serving Managing Director of the NPA.

“Step aside is a euphemism for a sack. Hadiza has been sacked, forget the semantics. I don’t see her returning back as the MD. It would be a miracle if she does because there was no precedent for such a recall” a source at NPA told our correspondent.

Those who are well versed in the politics of NPA said Ameachi may have gotten his own pound of flesh as he has shoved Hadiza out of the way and installed one of his cronies as Acting MD.

However, it is yet to be seen how long Mohammed Kolo would be in that position before a substantive helmsman is expected to be appointed.

Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.