Is the Appointment a Call to Action or Political Patronage?

Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko Managing Director, NPA

The appointment of Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, former Executive Director, Finance and Administration as the Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, is another plus for the Buhari led Government.

Like the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, where Dr. Bashir Jamoh, former Executive Director Finance and Administration took over from Dr. Dakuku Peterside as Director General, the continuity in programs and projects of the Agency has seen progress recorded in several areas in the Maritime Administration functions of NIMASA.

Bello Koko worked with, discussed issues with and either agreed or disagreed with his predecessor, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman.

With the appointment of Bello Koko, all lingering issues with the immediate past MD should be put to rest because we expect that due diligence was followed and all grey areas/matters resolved before appointing the present MD.

It will be the height of recklessness and acute maladministration for Mr. Bello Koko to drawn into matters of the previous management.

All things must become new as we put Koko to task in the management of Nigerian Ports.

Could the ports become more efficient?

Could cargo dwell time be reduced?

Could the security of goods and personnel be guaranteed in the ports?

Could the Eastern Ports enjoy higher patronage and reduce pressure on the ports in Lagos?

Could the port access roads become more accessible, motorable and safer?

Could traffic control and management become more reliable?

Could Nigerian Ports become more attractive and competitive among the ports in the West African sub region?

Could the long sought after cargo hub status be attained under Mr. Bello Koko as MD?

From Admin to Finance to Operations and Safety and Security, will the MD bring his years of experience to ensure harmony and sync in managing the ports?

From years past, how much an agency remits to the Federal Government seems an indication of utmost achievement.

Unfortunately, the remittances have not improved the global rating nor patronage of Nigerian ports by neighbouring countries.

Maritime stakeholders are of the view that until acts of corruption and malfeasance are drastically reduced or preferably, eliminated, constructing rail lines to link all surrounding countries will not make Nigerian ports the preferred ports in Africa.

Such concerned maritime stakeholders are of the view that automation/digitalization of port operations and creation of a Single Window is  a common feature of efficient and functional ports in the world.

What could Mohammed Bello-Koko, MBK, do differently?

Our political leanings and patronages have been identified as part of our national undoing.

By side stepping and ignoring talents for mediocrity, the patriotic zeal and passion in many citizens have been doused if not destroyed completely.

If MBK could therefore put square pegs in square holes in all administrative and operational areas of NPA, the snobbish attitude of importers who route their cargoes to Nigeria through the ports of Togo, Benin Republic and others could change.

If MBK could insist on getting results and sanction erring staff of NPA who by collusion and omissions aid and abet infractions, extortions and other shades of corruption within and around the ports, confidence could be restored.

Take for instance the issue of Eto, a traffic management tool deployed to address the perennial traffic gridlock in Apapa.

NPA personnel have been fingered in its near total failure to achieve the objective.

MBK admitted this much when he said “There are saboteurs even among our staff. We have had to issue queries to NPA staff involved and we are taking action. We have sent some home to allow for proper investigation. Others have been queried and some have been moved across ports. We have made it clear that we shall not tolerate saboteurs in the system no matter where they are coming from,” .

The culture of impunity has been condoled for too long. Where there are no punishments for wrongdoing, such unruly behavior is copied and amplified in more sinister dimensions.

The new MD, must therefore decide on which path to tread.

The narrow path that leads to life, fame and glory or the broad street that is paved with contract splitting, court cases, investigations and trials.

Bello Koko is not a stranger in the issues and management of the Nigerian Ports Authority. We trust that his appointment is a call to action and not any sort of political patronage.

We congratulate him on his appointment and wish him success in managing the ports.