The Chairman, Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Chief Isaac Morakinyo Jolapamo, has indicated the genuine willingness of industry stakeholders to work with the newly appointed Nigerian Ports Authority Managing Director,Habibu Abdullahi.

The ISAN boss, who made his observation on Monday, however, stressed the need for the managing director to hit the ground running.

“He has been in the system. He should know the ropes. So, he should hit the ground running,” Chief Jolapamo observed, praising government for at least appointing someone within the system, once it was decided that the former NPA boss would be replaced.

“When you are focused, objective and sincere in your vision as a body determined to positively move the maritime industry forward, then you cannot allow yourself to be tied down to issues of who stands in for the government,” he said, highlighting that ISAN, as a professional group with enduring vision to grow the industry would be willing to work with Abdullahi.

The new managing director, who replaces Omar Suleiman, was formerly NPA’s Acting Executive Director (Finance and Administration).

Noted for his flair for figures, Abdullahi, has served in different capacities in Kano State, as Director of Budget; danaging director of some parastatals, as well as first Chairman/Sole Administrator of Kabo Local Government in Kano State, before joining NPA.

He was a General Manager (Administration) before being deployed to London, as Overseas Representative, a position he held until December 2011 when he was appointed Acting Executive Director Finance and Administration.

He obtained his Bachelors degree in Political Science in 1978 from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, before proceeding to the University of Bath and University of East Anglia, all in the United Kingdom for his Masters degree in Public Administration.

To assist the new Managing Director, are  David Omonibeke (Executive Director, Marine & Operations); Mr Mohammmed Sani Saleh (Executive Director, (Engineering and Technical Services); and Mr Olumide Oduntan, Executive Director, Finance and Administration.