Hadiza Bala Usman : The Game Changer * Bringing intelligence, dynamism to bear on port operations

Hadiza Bala Usman : The Game Changer

* Bringing intelligence, dynamism to bear on port operations

* Gets re-election as Vice Chairperson of IMO Facilitation Committee

By Udeme Clement :

To say that the current Managing Director of Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), is bringing dynamism and intelligence to bear on port operations is simply stating the obvious.

As a woman, she is a reformer with a difference. As a manager, she is competent, focused and
prudent. As a leader, she is transparent and accountable. As a public office holder, she is selfless.

These sterling qualities informed her latest re-election as Vice Chairperson of International Maritime Organisation (IMO), Facilitation Committee (FAL).

Her latest re-election took place during the closing of 44th session of Facilitation Committee – FAL, held from September 28 to October 2, 2020.

Our Correspondent gathered that the Facilitation Committee has the mandate to handle efficiency of shipping by addressing issues concerning arrival/departure of vessels from ports, cargo, persons, as well as International Maritime traffic procedures.

To many stakeholders in the maritime industry, re-election of the NPA boss into this prestigious position is an honour well-deserved, because she is a game changer and visionary leader.

Through hard work and dedication, she has changed the standard of operations in Nigerian ports to meet the global trend.

Her outstanding achievements since she took over the mantle of leadership at NPA are all in the records.
Such feats include improved revenue profile of the Authority, from remittance of about N18 billion to over N30 billion; implementation of open budget system/ implementation of public data dissemination programme; launch of harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Port Service Support Portal (PSSP), designed to curb sharp practices in the system, in order to ensure a user-friendly port.

It is also on record that NPA under the supervision of Bala Usman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an Information Technology Network firm to provide Nigerians with necessary information required during budget preparation, as well as implementation.

More so, Bala Usman through her leadership prowess and ingenuity broke the monopoly in the provision of oil/gas logistics, which was a major issue in the past.

Her target is to completely reposition the port industry to carry out its key functions as the gateway to the nation’s economy.

Recall that Bala Usman was appointed the MD of NPA in 2016. The turning point is, in the last four years on the saddle, she has entrenched discipline, transparency and accountability in the system.

She is working tirelessly to enforce full compliance on regulations and third-party contractual obligations.

Accordingly, she believes strongly that intermodal transportation is key to port industry development. As such, she is working with the Ministry of transportation, Nigerian Railway on installing rail lines inside the ports, in order to enhance easy movement of cargo from the ports.

This amiable personality can equally be described as embodiment of beauty and intelligence.
Any time she appears at an official function, her carriage is often unique and dignifying.

She appears always in attires that are well-arranged and befitting.