Tinubu Honours Former NPA Boss at 50

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and current Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), Hadiza Bala-Usman, as she marked her 50th birthday on January 2, 2026.

The President’s message was conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, and shared via his official social media platform.

In the message, President Tinubu described Bala-Usman as a committed patriot whose distinguished career in public service reflects dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to national development. He noted that her nearly three decades of service to the nation offer valuable lessons in diligence, professionalism, and purpose-driven leadership.

Tinubu recalled Bala-Usman’s early career at the Bureau of Public Enterprises, highlighting her exceptional insight and strong understanding of economic and institutional reforms even at a relatively young age. According to the President, her early exposure to policy implementation and reform initiatives helped shape her capacity to drive meaningful change within public institutions.

The President further praised her tenure at the Abuja Enterprise Agency and later at the Nigerian Ports Authority, describing both roles as defining chapters in her public service journey. He noted that during her leadership at these institutions, Bala-Usman broke longstanding barriers, improved operational standards, and strengthened transparency and accountability in public administration.

Tinubu also acknowledged her contributions to politics, particularly her involvement in party organisation and institutional development within the All Progressives Congress (APC). He said her efforts helped deepen internal party processes, enhance organisational effectiveness, promote excellence, and reinforce democratic values within the party structure.

In her current role as Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit, the President said Bala-Usman continues to demonstrate strong administrative competence, discipline, clarity of thought, and a results-oriented approach. He noted that her leadership has contributed significantly to strengthening governance systems, improving evidence-based performance monitoring, and advancing the implementation of the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President expressed appreciation for her dedication and focus, commending her “single-minded commitment” to the success of the administration and to national service. He also offered prayers for her continued strength, wisdom, good health, and grace, expressing hope that she would remain a source of inspiration to women, young people, and emerging leaders across Nigeria as she celebrates the milestone age.

“Hadiza Bala-Usman has continued to distinguish herself through discipline, clear thinking, and an unwavering focus on delivery. Her contributions have enhanced governance frameworks and reinforced performance-driven leadership. I thank her for her service and pray that she continues to inspire future generations,” the statement read in part.

Bala-Usman was appointed by President Tinubu in June 2023 as Special Adviser on Policy Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, a presidential office responsible for aligning government policies with national priorities. The unit is also tasked with monitoring performance across ministries, departments, and agencies, as well as ensuring the effective delivery of key government programmes and objectives.

Her appointment followed a long career in public service marked by leadership roles in key institutions, where she played a central role in reform initiatives and institutional strengthening. As she marks her 50th birthday, the President’s tribute underscores her enduring influence in Nigeria’s public sector and her continued relevance in shaping policy coordination and governance outcomes.