Stop distracting Muhammed Bello-Koko; he is tested, trusted, reliable, By Dike Lawrence

A renowned public Affairs analyst and philanthropist, David Sikpa, has warned against malicious publication on the new managing director of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, describing him as a trusted, tested and reliable public servant.

Sikpa in a statement issued on Wednesday told journalists that said such publication was aimed at distracting the new MD from delivering on the mandate of his office.

Koko on Tuesday was confirmed as the substantive Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority.

In a release signed by the Garba Shehu, Senior Speacial Assistant to the President on Media and publicity said “based on the strong recommendation of the minister for Transportation, Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, the president has approved the appointment of Mohammed Bello-Koko as substantive MD of NPA.”

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Sikpa, an astute business Icon described Bello-Koko as trusted, tested and reliable public servant who has assisted in generating huge revenue in a time of global financial crisis.

According to him, koko was in May 2021 appointed acting MD and within this period increased IGR from 214.65 billion to 256.28 billion on approved estimate of 271.70 billion representing 120 percent or 95 percent growth of its total annual budget for 2021.

The new MD led NPA into cost reduction by 10.39 billions, which is about 85 percent performance of the approved budget of 87.32 billion.

Koko by the end of September 2021 reduced actual spending from 65.49 billion comprising employees benefits, pension cost to wage services, suppliers, repairs and maintainable to 55.10 billion.

As an astute financial expert with impeccable character, NPA under Koko remitted N62.66 billion to the consolidated revenue fund as of 31 October 2021 while a cumulative sum of N89.9 billion has been transfered to the CRF in the last six months.

koko, according to Mr David Sikpa, was indeed appointed on merit and quality service delivery to the nation.

Reacting to a renewed online publication bordering on alleged acquisition of property through offshore companies against koko, Sikpa described it as a figment of imagination of the author, adding that there was no iota of truth in the said publication.

Koko in an earlier interview in Thisday newspaper had dismissed such baseless publication describing it as falsehood.

Sikpa further re emphasised that Bello-koko’s appointment was purely on merit, quality service delivery, track record of performance and his patriotic love for his country.

While thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for the confidence reposed in the new MD, Sikpa was full of praises on the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, whose recommendation on the new MD was legendary.

He added that that Koko was brought his quality expertise to the table.

He began his career in banking with FSB International Bank PLC in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Capital and served in several viable and critical positions and rising to the deputy manager of his branch.

Following his sterling performance and track record, he thereafter joined Zenith Bank in 2005 as manager and Team head, public sector and Large Corporate.

He served in several enviable positions and climaxed these with his appointment as the Deputy General Manager and Zonal Head which made him a member of the bank’s executive management team, a position he held until his appointment as the Executive director, Finance and Administration, Nigerian Ports Authority.

While serving as the EDFA, he brought to bear his financial and management acumen including his expertise in the maritime sector.

He has intentional, deliberate and sustained efforts at achieving a more robust, modern,
transparent, effective and efficient port system in all ramifications including marine operations and road traffic with tangible results planned to spread from Lagos to Eastern ports.

koko is also versed in conflict and dispute resolution as he played a leading role in resolving three years lingering dispute between Lagos Deep offshore limited and Samsung Heavey industries.

So far, Bello-Koko had achieved remarkable rehabilitation of decaying Port infrastructure, improving patronage of the Eastern Ports, encouraging and setting up of deep sea Ports in Badagry, Akwaibom and Bonny.

The MD has renewed and deepened collaboration with other sister agencies to improve efficiency and put key performance indicators to track and reduce import and export cargo waiting time.

So please let’s allow him, MB koko, the new MD work!