Hadiza Bala Usman

Hadiza Bala Usman: Biography Hadiza Bala Usman (born January 2, 1976, in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria) is a prominent Nigerian public servant, political activist, and administrator. She has held several influential roles in Nigerian public service and is recognized for her efforts in institutional reform and governance. She is the daughter of the renowned historian and academic, Dr. Bala Usman. Her great-grandfather was Abdullahi Bayero.Early Life and Education Born in Zaria, Kaduna State, Usman pursued her education in Nigeria. Details regarding her specific primary and secondary education are not widely detailed, but her career progression indicates a strong foundation in public policy and administration. Before 2010, she was affiliated with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She later joined the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) from 2010 to 2013 and has been a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) since 2013.Career Progression and Major Achievements Usman is recognized for her extensive career in Nigeria's public sector. She served as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) from July 11, 2016, until May 6, 2021. During her tenure at the NPA, she was credited with implementing significant reforms aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency within the maritime sector, earning her recognition, including the moniker "Queen of the Maritime." In 2021, she was recognized among "Under 50 Leaders in Public Service" when she received the Outstanding Female Executive in Public Service (Maritime) award.Notable Works and Current Status In April 2023, Usman published her book, *Stepping on Toes: My Odyssey at Nigerian Ports Authority*, chronicling her experiences and reforms while leading the NPA. Her current professional status involves a return to high-level public service. In June 2023, she was appointed Special Adviser to the President (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) on Policy Coordination. She is currently married to Shehu Dikko, the chairman of the National Sports Commissions (NSC) in Nigeria, and has two boys from her previous marriage to economic analyst Tanimu Yakubu Kurfi.