Mohammed Bello-Koko, the new managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has said that he would work to ensure that NPA becomes an institution that is responsive to the expectations of the government, maritime industry and the public.
In a tweet on his verified twitter handle on Thursday, Mr. Bello-Koko further disclosed that he would work to decongest the country’s ports and also develop a fully automated port system that would conform to global standards..
The new NPA chief also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his appointment, and said the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, played a key role in his emergence as head of the agency.
He said: “A special appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi, whose recommendation played a significant role in my confirmation,” he said.
“With my experience as the Executive Director F&A and later Acting Managing Director, I will continue to work with all stakeholders to create an institution that is responsive to the expectations of the government, maritime industry, and the general public.
“As we move to complete the Lekki Port, we are open to investments to develop other strategic deep seaports in the country,” he said.
“I’m not unaware of the enormity of the task reposed on me. I will, therefore, carry it out with utmost diligence and put the national interest ahead and above anything else,” he said.
Mr Bello-Koko was first appointed acting MD of the agency in May 2021 after Hadiza Usman was suspended from the role.
President Buhari approved Ms Usman’s suspension after the transport minister accused her of “insubordination” and “refusal to take or carry out lawful instruction from superior officers/higher authorities”.
The government said it would probe the allegations against the former managing director. On Tuesday, Ms Usman was removed.