The immediate past Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Hassan Bello has been receiving supports of some professional maritime associations as they called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint him as the Minister of Transportation.
In separate letters to the President, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) and the Council of Transport Unions and Associations (COMTUA) appealed to President Tinubu to appoint Hassan Bello as Transport Minister based on his exceptional performance when he held sway as Shippers Council boss.
NAGAFF in a letter dated July 14, 2023 and signed by Chief Patrick Ogbo, Senior Special Assistant to the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, NAGAFF described Hassan Bello as highly competent, principled and a courageous individual with capacity to transform the maritime space.
According to the association, it was making the request from its vantage position and the eye witness account of the exploit and competencies of Hassan Bello during his tenure as the boss of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
In its letter addressed to President Tinubu and signed by its National President, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun, dated July 15, 2023, COMTUA stressed that having closely observed Barr Hassan Bello’s track record and personal qualities, especially during his reign as the Executive Secretary of the NSC, the transport body is confident that he possesses the necessary skills, experience, and vision to excel in this role.
COMTUA recalled the privilege of working closely with Barr. Bello for several years at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, during which time, it witnessed his exceptional leadership abilities, dedication, and commitment to public service especially in his role to stabilize the maritime industry during the most difficult time of Covid-19 pandemic.
“Barr Hassan Bello (OON) consistently demonstrates an unwavering passion for the betterment of society and a genuine desire to make a positive impact.
“One of Barr Hassan Bello’s ( OON) most remarkable qualities is his ability to think strategically and solve complex problems. He has an exceptional analytical mind and an innate ability to identify key issues, evaluate various perspectives, and devise effective solutions. Barr Hassan Bello ( OON) has successfully led several initiatives that have yielded significant results, demonstrating his capacity to implement innovative policies and drive positive change,” COMTUA stated in the letter of lobby.
The transport body said that Bello ensured that the rate of hauling cargo during the Covid-19 Lockdown was sealed reasonably to cushion the effect on market prices of goods.
It added that the former NSC boss stood by the nation in times of difficulty by ensuring that the lockdown effect on the maritime industry was minimized, saying that import and export were exempted from lockdown arrangement which was a major relieve for the nation at that time.
Lobbying further for his appointment as Transport Minister, COMTUA noted that Hassan Bello has a proven track record of fostering collaboration and building strong relationships with stakeholders from diverse backgrounds.
“He possesses excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and has consistently demonstrated the ability to articulate complex ideas in a clear and concise manner. Barr Hassan Bello ( OON) is highly respected by his colleagues and peers, who often seek his guidance and expertise.
“Equally important is his integrity and ethical conduct. He holds a strong moral compass and consistently upholds the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and accountability. His unwavering commitment to ethical governance and the rule of law makes him an ideal candidate for the position of Minister of Transportation.
“In conclusion, based on Barr. Hassan Bello ( OON)’s exceptional track record, leadership skills, strategic thinking, collaborative approach, and unwavering commitment to ethical governance, we wholeheartedly recommend him for the position of Minister of Transportation. I firmly believe that he will bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a strong sense of purpose to the role, ultimately benefiting Ministry of Transportation and the entire nation,” COMTUA highlighted in its lobby for the ex-NSC boss.