TheCable

Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), assumed office in Lagos on Monday with a vow to flush out corruption from the ports.

Usman, who was until her appointment, the chief of staff to Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, said anything short of world-class services are not welcome at any Nigerian port.

“As team leader, I have come to add my best efforts to yours so that we can collectively achieve results for our industry. We must work as a team, pursuing common goals with professionalism and diligence,” she said while receiving the baton from Habibu Abdullahi, her predecessor.

“We shall prioritize investment in primary equipment and infrastructure and services committed to by NPA in the concession agreements to hasten clearance of imports and exports from the ports.

“As we collaborate in the best traditions of public service, I believe that with commitment and diligence our hard work can position NPA as a model agency.

“To function as effective regulators, all of us at NPA must commit to the highest standards of performance and cohesion. Let us all uphold the most diligent work ethic, in our individual beats as well as in the collective undertakings required to achieve results.

“Everyone at the NPA has a role in promoting best practice, in upholding governance standards and in delivering quality services. We will work hard, with integrity and with zero-tolerance for corruption.

“As the new management settles down, we will be listening to your concerns and suggestions as we navigate the best options for effectively discharging the NPA’s mandate. But we will not shirk our responsibility to provide the leadership to improve the NPA. I hope that we will do it together.”

Her appointment was announced on July 12 by Rotimi Amaechi, the minister of transportation.