Sambo Attributes Success As Minister To Stakeholders’ Support, Efficient Workforce

The former Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo has credited his successful tenure to the unwavering support from stakeholders in the sector and a highly competent workforce within the Ministry.

Speaking at an appreciation Dinner held in Lagos, organized by the League of Maritime Editors (LOME) to honor him and the Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, Sambo highlighted the crucial role played by industry stakeholders and agency heads in achieving positive outcomes.

Sambo emphasized the significant contributions of an efficient team of civil servants led by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

He acknowledged that the performance of civil servants is instrumental in determining the success or failure of a nation, stating that their professionalism and commitment to excellence were commendable.

Sambo expressed his expectation of excellence from the civil service, considering his shared background with the Permanent Secretary, where there is an unspoken commitment to delivering outstanding results.

The former Minister also expressed gratitude to former President Muhammadu Buhari for granting him the opportunity to serve the country, describing him as a leader who genuinely cares for Nigeria’s welfare and aims for the nation’s best interests.

Boss Mustapha, the immediate past Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the occasion, commended Sambo for his humility and recognized him as one of the country’s finest statesmen.

Mustapha, represented by Senator Tolu Odebiyi, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Marine Transport, praised Sambo’s ability to work harmoniously with the presidency, legislature, agency heads, and stakeholders in the transport industry.

He acknowledged the numerous projects accomplished under Sambo’s leadership, including the initiation of trains and boats, expressing hope that his contributions would be duly recognized and rewarded in the new administration.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime, hailed Sambo’s leadership, specifically citing the approval for the implementation of Cargo Tracking Notes (CTN) as a milestone that the Council would never forget.

Jime attributed the success of both Ministers to their exemplary careers and noted that the presence of esteemed transport industry stakeholders at the Appreciation Dinner was a testament to their impact in the sector.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko recognized the Lekki Deep Seaport as the Authority’s most significant achievement under Sambo’s tenure.

He recalled a moment of adversity when he approached the Minister for assistance during his period of mourning, and despite the circumstances, Sambo actively engaged and provided valuable input. Bello-Koko commended Sambo’s perseverance and emphasized that the Minister of State always offered guidance and inspiration, highlighting his crucial role in decision-making processes.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh, highlighted Sambo’s unique perspective as an insider with a deep understanding of the maritime sector.

He praised Sambo’s focus on goals and his ability to overcome challenges, attributing his significant achievements within a short timeframe to these qualities. Jamoh pointed out the remarkable progress made during Sambo’s tenure, such as the establishment of numerous zonal offices, operational boats, clinics, and several other accomplishments.

Mrs. Chinyere Uromta, the Acting Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), expressed admiration for both Ministers and the Permanent Secretary, whom she had admired from afar before working closely with them.

Uromta observed their shared passion and leadership style, noting their dedication to their respective agencies. She urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reappoint them as Transport Ministers to ensure the continuation of their exemplary work.

In his welcome address, Timothy Okorocha, President of LOME, praised Sambo’s commitment to improved governance, capacity building, and growth within the industry.

He acknowledged the former Minister’s exceptional performance and his efforts to drive transformational change by focusing on implementation and execution rather than mere rhetoric.

Okorocha commended Sambo’s proactive approach, including his commitment to resolving long-standing issues such as the disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF).

He lauded Sambo and Adegoroye as leaders who embody grace and inspire respect, chivalry, focus, efficiency, and productivity in the workplace, setting a benchmark that will endure for decades to come.