President Bola Tinubu has removed Mohammed Bello-Koko from his position as Managing Director (MD) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and named Abubakar Dantsoho as his successor.
Bello-Koko was appointed as acting MD by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2021 and his appointment was confirmed in February 2022. The tenure for an NPA MD is five years.
In a statement on Friday, July 12, 2024, Ajuri Ngelale, the special adviser to the president on media and publicity, announced that Tinubu also appointed a former senator, Adedayo Adeyeye, as chairman of the NPA board.
Speaking about Dantsoho’s qualifications, Ngelale said that the new NPA MD holds a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, UK, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University, UK.
Before his appointment, Abubakar Dantsoho held various positions at the Nigerian Ports Authority including Assistant General Manager, Technical Assistant to the Managing Director, Port Manager of Onne Port, and Principal Manager of Tariff & Billing.
Ngelale described Adeyeye as an experienced lawyer, journalist, and politician who has previously served as Minister of State for Works and as a Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District.
He said Tinubu expressed expectations that the new leadership at NPA will bring excellence to their roles to enhance port services efficiency and improve industry outcomes.
KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu recently approved the creation of a new Ministry of Livestock Development to tackle farmer-herders clashes in Nigeria.