JUST IN: Tinubu fires Bello-Koko as NPA MD, names replacement

President Bola Tinubu has sacked Mohammed Bello-Koko as the managing director (MD) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and appointed Abubakar Dantsoho as his replacement.

Bello-Koko was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2021 as acting MD and his appointment was confirmed in February 2022.

The tenure of NPA MD is five years.

In a statement on Friday, Ajuri Ngelale, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, said Tinubu also appointed Adedayo Adeyeye, a former senator, as chairman of the NPA board.

Speaking on Dantsoho’s appointment, Ngelale said the new NPA MD holds “a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales, United Kingdom”.

“Before his appointment, he had served in various roles in the Nigerian Ports Authority as Assistant General Manager; Technical Assistant to the Managing Director; Port Manager, Onne Port; and Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing,” the spokesperson said.

Ngelale described Adeyeye as a seasoned lawyer, journalist, and politician.

“He is a former Minister of State for Works and former Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District,” he said.

Ngelale said Tinubu expects NPA’s new leadership to deploy excellence in the discharge of their duties to enable efficient port services and improved industry outcomes.