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Flouting Contractual Obligations, Defying Court Orders, and Disregarding Arbitration: The Facts Behind Hadiza Bala Usman’s Abuse of Office As NPA MD

Published

9 months ago

June 1, 2025

Eric

By BUA Group

We have taken note of recent public statements made by Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, the former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), who was sacked from office. In her comments, she accused BUA Group and our Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu, of breaching a concession agreement and distorting facts. These claims were made in response to our Chairman’s interview and article, “Two Years of President Tinubu: A Business Perspective” (watch at https://bit.ly/pbatbua), which celebrated Nigeria’s reform trajectory and referenced prior instances of arbitrary disruptions to business operations, without naming anyone – a situation that has now been curtailed by President Tinubu’s no-nonsense approach to bringing sanity and stability to the business environment in Nigeria.

Ordinarily, we would not engage, but the distortions in her response necessitate this factual clarification, especially as they relate to her actions during her tenure as MD of the NPA.

THE CONTRACT AND WHAT SHE OMITTED

BUA entered into a valid long lease agreement in 2006 with the NPA to rehabilitate and operate Terminal B at Rivers Port in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Long before Ms. Usman’s appointment, BUA had begun formal engagement with the NPA to address outstanding remedial works and infrastructural deficiencies. These discussions were near conclusion when she assumed office.

Rather than build on that process, Ms. Usman ignored BUA’s requests and obligations under the agreement. In 2016, BUA wrote to the NPA under Article 8.4 of the lease, mandating concessionaires to report environmental and safety concerns and to seek approval for remedial works. Rather than act constructively, Ms. Usman used that letter as a pretext to issue a termination notice and summarily shut down the terminal, without providing any prior warning, consultation, or invoking the dispute resolution clause.

She forgot or failed to disclose in her response that the NPA, under her leadership, was itself in material breach of core obligations including, failing to hand over critical portions of the port, leaving derelict iron ore on the berths, failing to dredge or repair quay walls, and neglecting to provide mandatory security. These lapses were significant impediments to BUA’s operations and, as a result, led to disputes between the parties.

ILLEGALITY, CONTEMPT, AND DISREGARD FOR CONTRACTUAL MECHANISMS

After the unlawful termination, BUA approached the Federal High Court, which promptly granted an injunction restraining the NPA from proceeding with termination. The NPA itself then referred the dispute to arbitration, as stipulated in Section 17.3 of the agreement, which clearly states:

“Any dispute, controversy or claim… shall be exclusively and finally settled pursuant to the dispute resolution process prescribed in this Article.”

Despite this, Ms. Usman, against the advice of her agency, unilaterally decommissioned the berths, thereby violating both the agreement and a court injunction. To be clear, the concession agreement granted her no such power to decommission. If she believes otherwise, we invite her to publicly cite the specific clause that authorizes this action.

To further compound the illegality, BUA—after providing the guarantees and indemnities requested by the NPA—was permitted to resume operations briefly. Merely three weeks later, the terminal was again shut down, this time by Ms. Usman’s instruction. This left no doubt that her actions were motivated not by due process, but by personal animosity and abuse of office.

BUA subsequently filed contempt proceedings and was looking at estimated losses in excess of $10 million. These proceedings were only withdrawn out of respect for national interest and following the intervention of well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the government.

PRESIDENT BUHARI WAS NOT MISINFORMED—HE ACTED ON FACTS AND LAW

Ms. Usman’s claim that former President Muhammadu Buhari was “misinformed” when he reversed her actions is false, disrespectful, and disingenuous.

Following a meeting that our Chairman had the privilege of holding with President Buhari in 2018, he presented the matter to the President, who then directed the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation to conduct a thorough legal review and investigate the situation. The AGF invited all parties, including Ms. Usman, to several meetings. We never saw her at any of them. Nevertheless, the AGF proceeded to undertake a comprehensive review of the contract, the litigation, the arbitration clause, and all correspondence and actions by BUA and NPA. The legal advice (attached herewith) found that the termination was unlawful, the decommissioning was without any legal basis, and that BUA’s rights should be reinstated. It was on this basis that President Buhari ordered the reversal of her unlawful actions. His intervention preserved the sanctity of the contract, saved over 4,000 jobs, and BUA’s $500 million integrated investment cluster involving flour, pasta, and sugar processing facilities which were all dependent on terminal access. For this, we remain deeply grateful to former President Buhari.

As our Chairman said in his interview, imagine if he wasn’t privileged to have access. Nonetheless, this culture of impunity has been significantly curtailed under President Tinubu’s leadership, as many are aware they could be dismissed or imprisoned if they abuse their positions.

POST-HADIZA: DUE PROCESS RESTORED, INVESTMENT RESUMED

Following Ms. Usman’s removal from office, the NPA, under new leadership, implemented the AGF’s position. In 2022, BUA was granted formal approval to resume reconstruction works. The contract was awarded to TREVI, and BUA has since invested over $65 million—entirely self-funded and with no recourse to public funds or subsidies. Work is ongoing and completion is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

THE REAL DANGER: INVESTOR CONFIDENCE AND RULE OF LAW

We must state clearly that this matter goes beyond BUA. Had Ms. Usman’s actions been allowed to stand, it would have sent a disastrous signal that contracts in Nigeria are worthless, court orders are optional, and public institutions or individuals can act unilaterally without consequence. We must never return to that era. Nigeria’s reform success today is rooted in respecting contracts, due process, and investor confidence—principles being restored under President Tinubu’s administration, under which BUA has committed over $1 billion in new investments across energy, food processing, manufacturing, infrastructure and social interventions.

We wish to emphasise that Ms. Usman is entitled to her opinions, irrespective of how distorted they may be. However, she is not entitled to distort the facts or rewrite history. We do not seek a public spat and would like her to concentrate on fulfilling her duties in her new role under the strong leadership of President Tinubu. We therefore simply restate the facts that Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman had no authority to decommission Terminal B unilaterally. She also acted in defiance of a court injunction and contractual procedure and her actions caused significant economic loss of over USD10 million, reputational risk to BUA, and investor concern for Nigeria.

Our core message remains the same: public office should be viewed as a position of trust rather than a platform for personal biases. Those granted public power need to resist the temptation to let prejudice, ego, and vendetta influence their actions.

If Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman believes she acted lawfully, we challenge her to cite the specific clause or clauses that guided her unlawful actions. If not, let the facts remain where they belong — in the public record.

Signed,
BUA Group
May 31, 2025

Featured

Presidency Releases Postings of Ambassadors-designate

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations. The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December.

POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS
S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED

1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO

2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA

3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN

4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL

5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR

6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE

7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES

8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL

11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN

12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE

13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND

14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK

15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA

16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA

17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA

18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA

19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA

20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA

21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY

23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA

24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA

25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN

26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE

27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA

28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN

30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA

31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T

POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST
S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED

1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE

2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER

3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP

4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA

5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO

6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT

7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA

8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA

9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI

10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA

11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON

12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY

13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO

15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA

16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL

17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA

18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA

19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD

20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS

21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO

22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA

23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA

24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA

25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN

26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA

27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN

28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND

30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA

31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON

32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE

33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN

34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.

President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.

Bayo Onanuga,

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information and Strategy)

March 6, 2026.

Featured

Mike Ozekhome Celebrates Obasanjo at 89, Says Former President Wiser with Age

Published

11 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Constitutional and human rights lawyer, Prof Mike Ozekhome, has felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as he Celebrates 89 years of life, saying the ex-head of state has grown wiser with age.

Ozekhome made the remarks in a birthday tribute he wrote, and made available to The Boss, stressing the octogenarian is a living legend and a human prodigy, among a catalogue of honours he bestowed on him.

Ozekhome’s full text of goodwill message is presented as follows:

“As Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, Ph.D, former military Head of State and later President, Commander-In- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria marks his 89th birthday, it is proper to pay tribute to this remarkable living legend and human prodigy. My writeup on him at 87, two years ago was aptly titled, “OBJ, Please, Remain OBJ”. And he has remained true to himself – weaving, bubbling, speaking, traveling, lecturing and still dancing and playing football. What a homo sapien!

“Baba Obasanjo is a beacon of hope, a symbol of integrity, and a champion of Nigeria’s progress. His legacy as a distinguished elders statesman,uncommon leader, and irrepressible nation-builder is permanently etched on marble.His contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development are simply unquantifiable.

“I recall him singing my birthday song and cutting my birthday cake at ABUAD’s 10th Convocation Lecture 4 years ago after I delivered the Convocation lecture and received a doctorate degree (honoris causa) in law (LL.D). His achievements are simply ineffable, including military exploits, authorship of over 20 books, and an unwavering commitment to democracy and good governance.

“One cannot forget that OBJ played a major role when he accepted on behalf of Nigeria, the mantle of surrender by General Phillip Effiong on behalf of the Biafran army, thus ending a 30 months needless, bloody civil war that consumed over 3 million lives with attendant suffering and destitition. “Your wisdom, vision, and leadership are needed now more than ever,” I had written two years ago, describing him thus: ‘Please, OBJ, remain OBJ – a true icon, a guiding light, and a hero of our time.’

“Baba’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Nigeria, inspiring generations not only in Nigeria and Africa, but within the entire black race. As an international figure, his voice resonates even as his rare wisdom and experience are globally sought, leading to his epic position as Co-Chairman of the Inter-Action Council of former Heads of State and Government.

“Some of his many books, including “My Watch” and “The Art of Leading”, are loud testaments to his deep thinking and intellectual prowess.

“Very often, he speaks truth to power, advocating for justice, fairness, and equality for all, damning the consequences.

“OBJ’s life reminds us that we all have a role in shaping our country’s future.

“Seest thou a man blessed round and round by God in all ramifications; nurtured in humble beginnings, but attained the height of a living sage and deity? A man since inducted into the pantheon of heroes of modern day Nigeria, bestrididing the military, democratic and governance worlds of Nigeria? That is legendary OBJ.

“As Baba marks this 89th milestone birthday, I pray that God grants him many more years ( Gen 6:3) of good health, fulfillment, happiness, and peace that passeth all understanding ( Phil 4:7). Amen.”

Featured

Akinwumi Adesina Celebrates Obasanjo at 89

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Immediate Past President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has celebrated former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on his 89th birthday.

In the statement the former Minister of Agriculture signed on behalf of himself and his wife, he noted that Obasanjo is a man of wisdom, foresight, courage and boldness among other qualities.

The statement titled, Happy Birthday: President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, at 89, is presented as follows, in full:

Today, we celebrate a man who walks across generations like a bridge between time and destiny – a leader whose credibility is unquestioned and whose respect knows no borders.

A man of wisdom, rich with insight. A man of courage, who steps boldly into the battlefields of ideas and argument, unafraid to speak, unafraid to stand, unafraid to be counted.

In the public square he cannot be silenced. He does not merely ruffle feathers – he pulls them out, speaking truths that are sometimes uncomfortable, yet always necessary, driven by an unwavering devotion to truth, equity, and justice.

Disciplined in thought. Disciplined in action. Disciplined in judgment.

When conflict rises and storms gather over nations, the world turns to voices of wisdom— and among those voices uniquely stands President Obasanjo.

A leader who dares to walk where others hesitate. A man who speaks to the mighty without fear and lifts the weary without condescension— challenging the powerful to do what is right, while urging the humble never to lose hope.

An indefatigable spirit, whose optimism refuses to drown in the tides of despair, rising ever higher with a familiar refrain echoing across years: “We will get it right.”

A defender of the weak. A reconciler of enemies.

A soldier who walked through the fires of war and emerged a builder of peace, a bridge for peace, a reconciler of differences, and a defender of the weak.

The Yoruba adage reminds us: “An elder cannot stand in the marketplace and watch the head of a baby slump on the back of its mother.”

Baba Obasanjo is an elder among elders. He will not only warn the mother to secure the child— he will help her do it. And if the knot still loosens, he will do what only the truly responsible elder does: lift the child himself and carry the infant upon his own back.

A man whose memory is sharp as history itself— remembering dates, details, and moments with the precision of a living archive.

And yet, beyond titles and offices, beyond uniforms and presidential seals, he remains something greater:

A father not only to his own, but to many. To a nation. To a continent.

The Baba of Africa. The Baba of the world.

Today, as you turn 89, we celebrate not only the years you have lived but the lives you have touched, the conflicts you have calmed, and the courage you have inspired.

May God continue to grant you strength, health, and vitality.

May your voice remain strong, your wisdom undimmed, your presence a guiding light for generations yet unborn.

For in the long march of time, you stand as one of its wisest elders.

The timeless Baba.
Happy 89th Birthday.
Hearty congratulations!

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, CON, C.G.H. (‘Akin 45’) and Grace Oluyemisi Adesina (“Yemisi 55”)