Shortly before taking the reins of office, Mohammed was introduced to stakeholders, comprising representatives of shipping companies, shipping agencies, stevedoring companies, terminal operators and clearing agents operating at the ports by the outgoing Port Manager, Mr. Joshua Asanga.
The new Port Manager was also introduced to other members of the port community and representatives of government agencies, including the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) staff at the port.
Shortly after the introductions, Asanga, who expressed confidence in the ability of his successor to elevate the status of the premier port and take its operations to greater heights, formally handed over to Mohammed at a brief ceremony attended by Heads of Departments of the port.
“I have had the opportunity of working closely with him and I was quite delighted about his appointment because I know that he will do a very good port of running the port and he is quite aware of the strategic importance of the port to the nation’s economy,” Asanga, who assumes the position of Acting General Manager, Procurement, at the NPA Headquarters, stated.
The new Port Manager, who described his predecessor as a selfless public officer, thanked him for the “wonderful job” he has done at the port over the past five years, even as he promised to build on the successes of the port.
“The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has a vision for the organisation and for our ports. I am coming here with a clear mandate from the MD and that mandate includes rendering effective customer service. So, I am here to ensure that we improve on our operations and processes. We will try to make the port much more efficient and responsive to our customers. Service is our watchword,” he stated.
Described as a refined civil servant and an astute administrator, Mohammed’s deep knowledge of port operations, dedication to work, commitment and diligence stand him out among his peers.
Before his appointment as Port Manager last week; Mohammed was Head, Servicom Unit at NPA Headquarters.
He had earlier served as Assistant General Manager, Administration – combining the duties with his Servicom responsibilities.
Mohammed is a Political Science graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He also obtained MSc International Relations and Strategic Studies from the University of Jos.
He has attended several trainings on maritime operations within and outside Nigeria, including the National University of Singapore where he bagged a Graduate Diploma in Maritime and Port Management.
He has chaired and served on several committees, including the Port Industry Anti-corruption Standing Committee (PIACSC), where he was the pioneer Publicity Sub-committee Chairman.
Mohammed is a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT); Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), and the Institute of Administrators.
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