Following the recent appointment of the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, the out going Managing Director Muhammad Bello Koko has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu as well as the former president Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity he was given to serve.
He made the comment on his X handle on Sunday where he also congratulates his successor on whom he has hopes will build on the good legacies he left behind.
Koko had severd as Executive Director of Finance & Administration in mid-2016 from where he became the acting Managing Director and later the substantive Managing Director of the Authority.
“I’d like to deeply appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and former President Muhammadu Buhari for the incredible opportunity to serve as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
“Having worked round the clock for the past eight years in the maritime sector, I feel greatly honored to have served the nation in this very important position.
“From my first appointment as Executive Director of Finance & Administration in mid-2016 to an acting Managing Director and later as the substantive Managing Director, these roles availed me of the opportunity to learn, unlearn, and relearn the ropes of maritime business and master the art of public service.
“It has been a great experience working to build a strong institution that will form the foundation for a number of reforms. In these years, we have leveraged staff development, technology, and equipment renewal to improve user experience in the ports. The result is evident in a productive workplace, improved customer satisfaction, and high remittances to the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
“The deployment of the Port Community System and port modernization program (about to commence) are projects that remain close to my heart as they are catalysts for port efficiency.
“Today isn’t much about myself, so I congratulate Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, with whom I have high hopes to build on these legacies.
“To the Executive Management and the entire staff members of the Authority, your support and commitment have been incredibly satisfying. Let’s keep the ball rolling!
“At this point, I also recognize in no small measure, the support, learnings, and cooperation of major maritime stakeholders, such as the Terminal Operators, Shipping Companies, Joint Venture Companies, Freight Forwarders, etc without which we would not have witnessed the major developments in the port sector.
“I will not forget the unflinching support of my friends in the media that made it possible for the whole world to know what we have done.
“Lastly, to my friends who felt slighted for my inability to return their calls (but, it’s not deliberate), and to my family who’ve endured my absence due to the exigencies of work, I extend my gratitude for your cooperation and understanding throughout my sojourn at the Nigerian Ports Authority.
“Thank you and God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria” Muhammad Bello Koko stated.