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.

Customs

Customs complies with ministry’s directive, seeks alternative funding of its services after suspension of 4 percent FOB levy

Funso OLOJO

The Nigeria Customs Service has said it was engaging the Federal ministry of Finance, its supervisory ministry, to seek guidance on alternative measures following the suspension of the 4 percent Free-on- Board (FOB) to ensure continuity of its services to Stakeholders

It could be recalled that the Finance ministry gave a marching order to NCS to halt the implementation of the controversial 4 percent FOB levy on imports.

However,acknowledging the receipt of the suspension order from the Finance ministry, the Customs, through a public statement, said it appreciates the Ministry’s engagement on this matter and remains committed to supporting government fiscal policies.

“The NCS remains optimistic about ongoing discussions with the Federal Ministry of Finance and other relevant stakeholders to address the concerns raised while ensuring that the Service’s statutory obligations are met effectively.

” We look forward to constructive engagement that will ultimately serve the best interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, enhance revenue generation, and support the nation’s economic growth objectives through efficient customs administration.

“It is also necessary to draw attention to ongoing media reports suggesting that the Service introduced the 4% FOB only recently.

“For clarity, the Service wishes to emphasise that the National Assembly established the 4% FOB provision through Section 18(1)(a) of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023, which stipulates “not less than 4% of the free-on-board value of imports according to international best practices” as a statutory funding mechanism for the Service’s operations.

“The Service assures all stakeholders, including the trading public, licensed customs agents, and international partners, that our operations will continue without any disruption.

” We remain firmly committed to delivering efficient service, upholding international best practices and supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through effective revenue collection and enhanced trade facilitation” the statement concluded.

Customs

FG orders Customs to suspend collection of 4 percent FOB levy

Funso OLOJO

For the second time, the collection of controversial 4 percent Free-on- Board(FOB) Levy on imported goods have been suspended.

This time, it was the Federal government through the Ministry of Finance, the supervising Ministry of the Nigeria Customs Service that ordered the suspension.

In a memo dated September 15th, 2025 and signed on behalf of the Minister of Finance by one R.O Omachi, the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties and addressed to the Comptroller- General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, the government stated that extensive consultations with industry stakeholders and trade experts have revealed that the 4% FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facilitation environment and economic stability.

The letter reads, “Pursuant to the powers vested upon the Honourable Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy under Part Ill, Section 12 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 as the Chairman of the Board of Nigeri a Customs Services, I write to direct the immediate suspension of the implementation of the collection of 4% Free on Board (FOB) recently levied
by the Nigeria Customs Service on all imported goods.“Following extensive consultations with industry stakeholders. trade experts, and relevant government officiais, it has become clear that the implementation of the 4% FOB charge poses significant challenges to the Nigerian trade facil tation, environment and economic stability.

“Many importers and businesses have raised concerns about the increased financial burden this levy imposes, with potential adverse effects on inflation, trade competitiveness, and the overall business Climate in Nigeria.

“This suspension will provide an opportunity for comprehensive stakeholder engagement and & thorough review of the levy’s framework and its broader economic implications .

“The Ministry of Finance looks forward to working closely with the Service and all relevant parties to devise a more equitable and efficient revenue structure that susports both revenue generation and economic growth and stability.

“Ensure strict compliance. ‘,the memo concluded.

The first time the controversial Levy was suspended was in February 2025 when it was shortly introduced but the public outcry which greeted the introduction make the Customs management hastily suspended its implementation.

However, the Customs re- introduced the levy on August 4th, 2025.

Meanwhile, the National Spokesman of the Customs, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada denied knowledge of the memo.

‘”I am not aware of such memo.

I am hearing it for the first time ” he declared when asked to react to the document.

The 4 percent FOB Levy is meant to fund Customs’ technological modernization programs, replacing the previous 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) fee.

Customs

Comptroller Anani vows to enforce zero tolerance for smuggling as he takes the mantle of leadership at PTML

Funso OLOJO

The new Customs Area Controller for Ports Terminal Multi services Limited (PTML)Command, Comptroller Joe Anan, has vowed to sustain the momentum of the command, enforce zero tolerance for smuggling and facilitate genuine trade in order to keep the lofty records of the command growing.

He made the pledge while taking the mantle of leadership of the command from the recently promoted ,Assistant Comptroller General,Tenny Mankini Daniyan.

The new Area controller described the command and stakeholders as very well organised and promised to build on the various pioneering feats ACG Daniyan achieved

Comptroller Anani listed the successful roll out and subsequent revenue collection and trade facilitation achievements associated with the Unified Customs Management System, also known as B’Odogwu, as great milestones that must be improved on.

He also called on all customs officers, officials of sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join hands with him in the journey to keep the great records of PTML high

Comptroller Anani urged all the stakeholders to stay on the path of compliance as they stand to benefit more from being on the right side of the law at all times.

He also promised to strictly enforce the CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling

The CAC who promised to be accessible to all, also sought that everyone should feel free to interact with him either directly through visits or virtually.

Comptroller Anani said “While thanking God and the CGC Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for the opportunity to serve here, let me state that our journey to succeed must remain a collective task. I am not here to do it alone.

“I hereby call on all customs officers, sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders and the press to support me in our goal to sustain PTML as a model port of excellence, known for security, efficiency and diligent trade facilitation.

“I pledge to build and improve on the gains achieved by my predecessors in the area of faster cargo clearance which aligns with Time Release Study (TRS) programme.

“I am aware that this command holds an outstanding record of two hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignment.

” The key word here is compliance. With improved compliance and efficient system, we can do less than two hours.

“Compliance, as the key to trade facilitation, is critical for smooth port operations.

“It ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks, and fosters trust among trading partners.

” Compliance minimises bottlenecks and enhances efficiency in global trade and PTML cannot be an exception.

” I want to urge all our stakeholders to imbibe the tenets of compliance because it results in a win-win situation for everyone, saving time and money.

” Whereas non compliance leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, waste of time and possible seizure , detention and arrest.

” Let’s continue to make this area a great example that it has always been.

“The CGC’s zero tolerance for smuggling will be duly enforced on my watch and I am convinced from my background checks that our stakeholders are on the right track.

“Let me use this opportunity to inform you that my office is without a door. I shall be accessible to all physically and virtually in the quest to improve on our duties.

” Feel free to interact with me and avail me all relevant information needed for my success on this assignment” he concluded

Various stakeholders at the command while welcoming the new CAC also commended the ACG Daniyan for his outstanding performance in seeing to the success of B’Odogwu from its pilot phase to full deployments across various commands

They described the ACG’s leadership as outstanding with trail blazing effects on increased trade, revenue ,anti smuggling and robust interaction with stakeholders.

The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Daniyan as a man whose records speak volumes positively while urging him to carry his working zeal ahead into NCS management team.

Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne described Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving to be issued a “certificate of project completion” for diligently achieving the success of B’Odogwu from beginning to a state of consolidation.