Headlines
Stakeholders fault Hadiza’s suspension —–say action is set- back on port reforms.

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Eyewitness Reporter
“The only aspect I frown at is her not being queried before getting suspended. I am a retired civil servant and think that in line with civil service rules, she should have been queried first, and allowed to respond to the query before any action will then be taken on her situation.
“They should have followed due process because before you say somebody should go on suspension, she ought to have first been queried and allowed to respond to the query.
“Her tenure has just being renewed, so without allowing her to know what she has done wrong and even given the opportunity to respond before suspension shows a lack of due process.”
Also speaking on the development, the Coordinator, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Osita Chukwu described as unjustified the suspension of Hadiza Bala Usman.
According to him, Hadiza’s suspension was ridiculous and a big shame on the nation’s maritime sector, especially now that Nigeria is recording gains among the comity of nations due to her reform processes.
Osita claimed that Hadiza Bala Usman has been making steady progress in the sector and does not deserve such treatment from the Nigerian government, especially when the allegations against her have not been substantiated.
“If an allegation is made, you should allow the person to defend herself rather than suspending her.
“If they just push her out like that, I see a setback to the reforms. Despite intimidation, she has continued with her work. Even during the EndSars protest, she did not relent, only for her to be rewarded this way,” he lamented.
The President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Increase Uche, believed that Usman’s removal was a setback to campaign for women inclusion in government and the maritime industry in particular.
“Maybe she was being prepared for a higher position, but if it was a misdemeanor or her undoing, that will seriously damage the promotion of gender sensitivity in the position of authority.
He urged Mohammed Bello-Koko to swing into action to ensure that the reforms being championed by Usman are brought to bear to ensure efficiency and continuation of the seaport reforms.
Headlines
Edward Osagie, NIMASA spokesman, shines at 2025 National Spokespersons’ Awards in Abuja

–— emerges outstanding spokesperson in Marine and Blue Economy sector
Oyewale emerged winner in a highly competitive category that included Presidential Spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga and Josephine Adokuru Mudasiru of the Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA.
The Chairman of the award’s Adjudication Committee, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, while commending the nominees, emphasized that the selection process was rigorous and driven by merit.
Oyewale stood out for his infusion of finesse in strategic communication, skillful workmanship, impactful media engagements and consistency in the excellent projection of the EFCC’s image and in enhancing public understanding of the Commission’s mandate and activities.
Other winners from other categories include: Olufemi Soneye (NNPCL) as Distinguished Spokesperson of the Year (Oil and Gas), Nigerian Customs Service as Best Corporate Spokesperson Team, Kashifu Inuwa (NITDA) as Most Supportive CEO to Spokespersons (Public Sector), Femi Babafemi (NDLEA) as Outstanding Spokesperson (Security Services).
Soneye (NNPCL) beat ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi of Nigeria Police, Igo Weli-Shell Petroleum, Olumuyiwa Akande, SIFAX Group and Osagie Edward-NIMASA to emerge Spokesperson of the Year.
In his remarks, Joshua Audu Gana, Member House of Representatives congratulated the organizers for identifying and rewarding the outstanding communicators across various sectors.
The Special Guest of Honour, Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Akintunde Rotimi Jr, emphasized the need for institutions and organizations to involve spokespersons in policy formulation and decision-making processes, noting that spokespersons should be equipped with first-hand knowledge of key issues so as to enhance their effective and accurate public communication.
The National Spokespersons Awards is Nigeria’s foremost platform for celebration of excellence in public relations, strategic communication, and media management.
The award is an annual celebration of individuals and organizations that demonstrate professionalism, innovation, and impactful public communication.
Customs
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