Hadiza Bala Usman Biography Introduction

Hadiza Bala Usman is a prominent Nigerian politician, activist, and public servant renowned for her transformative leadership as the first female Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from 2016 to 2021. A co-founder of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, she has been a vocal advocate for social justice and women’s empowerment, leveraging her roles in governance to drive policy reforms and transparency in Nigeria’s public sector.

Basic Information

Early Life and Education

Hadiza Bala Usman was born on January 2, 1976, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria. She grew up in a distinguished Fulani family of the Sullubawa clan. Her father, Yusufu Bala Usman, was a renowned historian, radical politician, and the founder of the Centre for Democratic Development, Research, and Training at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Her great-grandfather, Abdullahi Bayero, was the 10th Emir of Kano (1926–1953), and her grandfather held the title of Durbin Katsina, cementing her family’s ties to northern Nigeria’s ruling class. Raised on the ABU campus where her father worked, Hadiza was immersed in an intellectually stimulating environment that shaped her commitment to social justice.

Hadiza attended ABU Staff Primary School and completed her secondary education at ABU’s secondary school. In 1996, she enrolled at Ahmadu Bello University, earning a B.Sc. in Business Administration in 2000. She later pursued an M.A. in Development Studies at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, graduating in 2009. This education deepened her expertise in policy and governance.

Career

Early Career

Hadiza Bala Usman’s career spans public service, activism, and politics, marked by her dedication to transparency and reform. She began her career in 1999 as a research assistant at the Centre for Democratic Development and Research Training (CEDDERT) in Zaria, which her father had founded.

From 2000 to 2004, she served as an enterprise officer at the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), contributing to Nigeria’s privatization program. Between 2004 and 2008, she worked as a Special Assistant to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on project implementation under the auspices of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Political Ventures

In 2011, Hadiza ventured into politics, running for the Musawa/Matazu federal constituency under the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC). Although unsuccessful, her campaign showcased her leadership potential.

She later served as Senior Manager for Government Relations at Etisalat (now 9Mobile) and was active in the Good Governance Group (3G), a civil society organization dedicated to promoting good governance in Nigeria.

Advocacy and Campaigns

In 2014, Hadiza co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls campaign following the abduction of 276 schoolgirls by Boko Haram in Chibok, Borno State. Her advocacy, symbolized by the campaign’s red color, which represents “alarm, danger, a warning,” drew global attention and facilitated dialogues between the victims’ families and the Nigerian government.

In 2015, Hadiza was appointed Chief of Staff to Kaduna State Governor Nasir Ahmad el-Rufai, becoming the first woman in northern Nigeria to hold this position.

Role at NPA

In July 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Hadiza Bala Usman as the first female Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), a role she held until her suspension in May 2021 amid allegations of unremitted funds, which she contested. Her tenure at NPA was transformative, uncovering fraud worth billions of naira, including N11.23 billion and $24.1 million hidden in bank accounts, and implementing a 25-year port development plan.

In 2021, she was exonerated by an administrative panel, as detailed in her memoir, Stepping on Toes: My Odyssey at the Nigerian Ports Authority (2023), which chronicles her efforts to combat corruption.

Current Role

Since June 2023, Hadiza Bala Usman has served as Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination to President Bola Tinubu, overseeing the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU). She is also Vice President (African Region) for the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH), advocating for maritime development across the continent.

Awards and Nominations

• Outstanding Female Executive in Public Service (Maritime): Under 50 Leaders in Public Service (2021)
• Queen of the Maritime: Recognized for contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector

Social Media

Hadiza Bala Usman actively engages with her audience through social media. You can follow her on:

• Instagram: @hadizabalausman
• Facebook: Hadiza Bala Usman
• Twitter: @hadizabalausman

Personal Life

Hadiza Bala Usman was married to Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi, an economic analyst and former adviser to President Umaru Musa Yar’adua. The couple, now divorced, has two sons. Hadiza maintains a private stance on her personal life, focusing on her professional and advocacy roles. As a practicing Muslim, her faith informs her commitment to integrity and public service.

Known for her courage in challenging patriarchal norms, Hadiza has been praised for empowering women, particularly during her tenure at NPA, where she promoted female staff regardless of their background. Her advocacy extends to mentoring young women and supporting the representation of women in northern Nigeria.

She enjoys reading, as evidenced by her engagement with policy research, and resides in Nigeria, where she balances her high-profile career with motherhood. Her memoir, Stepping on Toes, reflects her father’s legacy of truth-telling and her resolve to clear her name in the face of false allegations.

Net Worth

Hadiza Bala Usman has an estimated net worth of $500,000. Her income derives from her extensive career in public service, including roles at NPA, BPE, UNDP, and her current advisory position under President Tinubu. Additional earnings come from her book, Stepping on Toes, and speaking engagements.

Conclusion

Hadiza Bala Usman’s journey from a notable family to becoming a trailblazer in Nigerian politics exemplifies her dedication, resilience, and commitment to social justice. As she continues to advocate for transparency and empowerment, her influence in shaping Nigeria’s socio-political landscape remains significant. For updates on Hadiza Bala Usman, follow her on social media and stay tuned for her latest endeavors!