By Mustapha Muhammad Tukur

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, appointed Mr. Muhammad Bello-Koko as substantive Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority with immediate effect.

This was contained in a Press release signed by Eric Ojikwe, the Director of Press & Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Transportation on Tuesday.

Until his appointment, Koko was the Executive Director, Finance and Administration and also acting Managing Director of the Authority.

Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari has on May 5th 2021 approved the suspension of Hadiza Ball Usman as the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority.

The suspension was the President’s approval to the recommendation of the Ministry of Transportation under Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi for the setting up of an Administrative Panel of Inquiry to investigate the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA.

In a statement by Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and publicity, ” The President has also approved that the Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman step aside while the investigation is carried out. Mr Mohammed Koko will act in that position.

“The panel is to be headed by the Director, Maritime Services of the Ministry while the Deputy Director, Legal of the same ministry will serve as Secretary.

“Other members of the panel will be appointed by the Minister”, the statement added.