Nigerians in Diaspora Laud President Buhari’s NPA Board Appointment

L-R Alistair Soyode (Founder and Chairman of Ben TV) and Mr Charles Efe Sylvester (Member NPA Board)

The Nigerian Leadership Forum, a European Think Tank group on Nigeria has commended the administration of President Buhari for appointing one of their members.

The President, a few days ago, approved the Board members of Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) - a gateway agency into Nigeria.

The Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) is a major arm of business and commerce in Nigeria especially as Nigeria seeks for other means of revenue to enhance the national economy. The Nigerian Ports Authority functions are as follows:

• Ownership and administration of land and water within port limits.

• Planning and development of port operational infrastructure.

• Leasing and concession of port infrastructure and setting bench mark for tariff structure

• Responsible for nautical/Harbour operations and hydrographic survey.

• Marine incidents and pollution

• Maintenance of safety and security at the common user areas.

• Enacting port regulations and bye-laws as well as monitor and enforce them

• Day to day monitoring of operations and enforcement of relevant sections of respective agreements.

According to the Commandant General (NIDMECORP.COM) Alistair Soyode, during a press interaction on the NPA & NIMASA appointments, he expressed satisfaction, saying that the appointment of such a highly skilled, experienced Diaspora Entrepreneur and philanthropist showed the Presidency is taking accounts of successful Nigerians in the Diaspora to reposition the nation.

“Having on the board Mr. Charles Sylvester who had shown his tenacity, business acumen and knowledge of international best practices can only makes the NPA produce profitable projects. I am also kindly praying that our President will continue to tap on the resources of his Diaspora to engage them in all aspects of governance into other agencies and parastatals in the country which would create giant strides for President Buhari’s administration. It is for the nation’s gains and it shows a governance that incorporates inclusiveness and reaching out to diaspora Nigerians.” 

Charles Efe Sylvester is a London based entrepreneur and a leading African employer of labour in Europe. His company in Europe manages more than two hundred staff and a community leader empowering the Nigerian communities in the UK and across Europe.

His appointment was confirmed in a circular from the Director Press, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Bolaji Adebiyi, in Abuja stating that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved an 11-member board each for the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Mr Bolaji Adebiyi listed Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye as the Chairman of NPA

He also listed other members of the NPA as follows;

Hadiza Bala Usman (Managing Director) – Member,

Charles Efe Emukowhate Sylvester – Member,

Constance Harry Mashal – Member,

Mohammed Bello Koko – Member,

Supo Shasore – Member,

Suleiman Ibrahim Halilu – Member,

Umar Shu’aibu – Member,

Dr. Sekonte Davis – Member,

Professor Idris Abubakar – Member,

Mrs. I. J. Uche-Okoro – Member.