Speculations on Habib’s second sack were rife for months. Recalled from sack for reasons unknown, news of his sack by the government that recalled him when he was first sacked did not surprise many.  The surprise is in his replacement, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman.

The question on the lips of concerned maritime stakeholder is “what does she know about shipping, sea port operations/management?”

According to a Lagos based, shipping contract seeking ship owner, when elders, more learned professionals are made to kowtow to a neophyte in shipping issues, the stage is set for motion without movement. She will consult, consult, await and await. Her bosses are many. I wonder why she has been selected for this job”, he ruminated.

Chief Ngige, is a bonded terminal operator. He is of the view that NPA has lost its relevance with the concessioning of the ports. In his words “If NPA has no role in nigeria’s maritime industry, it should be scrapped. I do not think this is how  maritime development is achieved in other climes where competence and qualification are criteria for such very demanding, mentally and physically tasking jobs”.

Several maritime stakeholder are of the view that if there is anything like a square peg in a round hole, this appointment is it.

From the Bureau of Public Enterprises, BPE, where malam Nasir El Rufai, when he served as Director General brought and took her from to Kaduna when he became governor, the NPA Managing Director, appears not to have the requisite experience needed to manage NPA successfully.

Commenting on Hadiza’s appointment, A maritime lawyer who prefers to remain anonymous averred that there are Nigerians who, given the chance could pilot NPA better. He added that…”but this is democracy/politics; the right man for the job is often disregarded for him/her who is either a party member or loyalist”.

While we wait to see what Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman  brings to enhance maritime development in Nigeria, this is welcoming her to NPA.