Bala Usman’s removal causes setback to women inclusion campaign in maritime sector
By Eniola Idris
The dramatic removal of Ms Hadiza Bala Usman as the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for no stated reason has been described as a major setback to women inclusion agenda in the maritime sector.
Usman was the first female Managing Director of NPA. She was first appointed on July 11th, 2016.
President Buhari had in January reappointed her for another five years tenure, but the tenure was abruptly cut short with a directive asking her to step aside for a probe of the agency.
Some stakeholders in the industry believed that she was forced out of the system because she had stepped on toes by canceling some alleged fraudulent contracts.
President, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Increase Uche said that Usman’s removal was a setback to campaign for women inclusion in government and the maritime industry in particular.
“May be she was being prepared for a higher position, but if it was misdemeanor or her undoing, that will seriously damage to promotion of gender sensitivity in position of authourity. We pray that it is for good. We pray that she did not commit any crime.
“The industry needs to be rejigged to improve maritime operations,” he said.
He urged Koko to swing into action to ensure that the reforms being championed by Usman is brought bear to ensure efficiency of the seaports.
A terminal operator, who does not want his name in the print said the news of removal of Usman came as a shock to the industry, noting that Koko may not be a better saint than the former.
He said the president would have followed due process in removal of Usman, adding that she was already making but steady growth in the industry.
According to the source, Usman was the first managing director of NPA, and scheming her out in such a manner signifies danger for the gender sensitive campaing in the maritime sector.
“Since the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) World Maritime Day some two years back, women have continued to gain strength in the sector, with girls go to sea initiative, Women in Maritime forum among others, but his development is so unfortunate,” the source said.
