For over three decades, Hajia Bola Muse has remained one of Nigeria’s most respected names in freight forwarding and logistics. But beyond her achievements in the maritime industry lies another remarkable legacy—one built on compassion, philanthropy and an unwavering commitment to changing lives.
In an exclusive interview with Frank Odinukaeze, Publisher of Premium News Daily, and Aderonke Fakeye, Editor-in-Chief of Radiant African Magazine, at the Bomarah Group headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, Hajia Muse opened up on her entrepreneurial journey, humanitarian vision, the challenges confronting Nigeria’s maritime sector and her plans for the future.
A 33-Year Maritime Success Story
According to the Bomarah Group Managing Director, the company began as Bomarah Investment over 33 years ago and has since evolved into a diversified business conglomerate with interests spanning freight forwarding, logistics, travel services, agriculture, barge operations, sports development and humanitarian interventions.
She described the company’s growth as a journey powered by God’s grace and sustained by integrity, hard work and people-centered leadership.
“What started like a joke has today become a tree bearing many fruits,” she said.
Reflecting on the company’s growth, Hajia Muse expressed pride in the number of former employees who have gone on to establish successful businesses and careers of their own.
“I have many former staff members who are now employers of labor. Many of those who joined us years ago are still with us today. We have built more than a company; we have built a family.”
She explained that Bomarah Group operates on a culture of inclusiveness where employees are treated as members of one family, adding that many of her staff participated in raising her children and remain closely connected with her family.
Giving Back Through Bomarah Foundation
Perhaps the most emotional aspect of the interview centered on the work of the Bomarah Foundation, established in 2002 to provide humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.
Muse explained that her upbringing in a large polygamous family instilled in her the values of empathy, resilience and service to humanity.
“I promised God that if He blessed me, I would bless others. That promise became Bomarah Foundation.”
Today, the Foundation has become a recognized humanitarian organization working across several states of Nigeria.
Among its numerous interventions are:
Weekly distribution of free water to underserved communities in Kano through dedicated water tankers.
Feeding programs reaching over 3,000 children.
Support for widows and vulnerable families.
Educational competitions organized in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Education.
Scholarships and educational support for students.
Assistance to persons living with disabilities, including the blind, the deaf and physically challenged persons.
Partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on community safety initiatives.
Bomorah Football Academy for youth talent development.
Showing videos of the Foundation’s weekly water distribution exercise in Kano, Muse said every Friday, tankers branded with the Foundation’s logo deliver potable water to different communities.
“We don’t even know most of the beneficiaries personally. We simply believe that everyone deserves clean water.”
Restoring Hope Behind Prison Walls
One of the Foundation’s most remarkable initiatives is its educational support program inside Nigerian Correctional Centers.
Muse revealed that Bomarah Foundation sponsors educational programs for inmates from primary education to university level through the National Open University system.
The Foundation has also established vocational training centers where inmates acquire practical skills such as shoemaking and leatherwork to prepare them for life after incarceration.
She recalled helping secure a state pardon for one inmate who had completed his Master’s degree while serving his sentence.
“Our belief is that education reforms lives. We believe people deserve a second chance.”
Building Future Leaders
Education remains a major pillar of the Foundation’s activities.
Muse announced that the third edition of the Bomarah Foundation Schools Competition will culminate on October 14 after preliminary rounds in participating schools.
The competition, organized in collaboration with the Lagos State Ministry of Education, rewards outstanding students and teachers.
She disclosed that the Foundation hopes to present a brand-new car to the overall best teacher if additional sponsorship is secured.
“We are reaching out to organizations like the Nigerian Ports Authority and other corporate bodies because together we can make a bigger impact.”
Sustaining Philanthropy Through Partnerships
Although Bomarah Investment finances about half of the Foundation’s programs, Muse acknowledged that partnerships have become essential to sustaining its expanding humanitarian activities.
She said corporate organizations, government agencies and private individuals regularly support various initiatives through sponsorships and collaborations.
Passion for People
Asked what motivates her relentless humanitarian work, Muse answered without hesitation.
“My passion is humanity. When people are happy, I am happy.”
She added that making positive impacts on people’s lives gives her greater satisfaction than material wealth.
Journey into Freight Forwarding
Interestingly, freight forwarding was never part of her original career plan.
Muse had initially dreamt of becoming a lawyer before discovering the logistics industry during her industrial attachment.
Drawn by the challenges of a profession then dominated almost entirely by men, she embraced freight forwarding and gradually built one of the industry’s most respected brands.
“Freight forwarding is built on trust. Once your customer trusts you, your reputation becomes your greatest asset.”
Maritime Sector Needs Bold Reforms
As one of Nigeria’s veteran freight forwarders, Muse did not mince words when discussing the challenges facing the maritime industry.
She identified inconsistent government policies, weak leadership, excessive bureaucracy, prolonged cargo clearance processes, port congestion and increasing dominance of foreign companies as major obstacles affecting indigenous operators.
According to her, many Nigerian barge operators have been pushed out of business because foreign-owned firms now dominate activities previously reserved for local companies.
“When we started our barge operators’ association, there were about 83 active companies. Today, fewer than ten are operating effectively.”
She also criticized the slow pace of cargo handling at Nigerian ports, noting that vessels which are discharged within two or three days in many countries sometimes spend over a week in Nigerian ports.
She alleged that unnecessary delays often create opportunities for avoidable demurrage and additional costs for importers.
“Most of these delays are deliberate. The bureaucracy is simply too much.”
Tackling Port Extortion
On the issue of extortion along port corridors, Muse attributed much of the problem to the activities of touts posing as freight forwarders.
She welcomed recent efforts by the Nigeria Customs Service to introduce stricter access control through registered company identification and authorized access cards, describing the initiative as a step towards sanitizing port operations.
Balancing Business and Family
Despite her demanding schedule, Muse insists on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
She revealed that after office hours she dedicates time exclusively to her family and discourages business calls late in the evening.
She also enjoys cooking, music, dancing and teaching practical vocational skills such as tie-and-dye to domestic staff.
“There is virtually nothing I cannot do. I believe in keeping myself busy.”
Beauty Begins from Within
Asked how she maintains her youthful appearance, the entrepreneur smiled.
“Have a good heart. Don’t keep grudges. Be happy. Inner peace reflects on your face.”
She described blue as her favorite color and emphasized that true beauty comes from contentment, kindness and a positive attitude towards life.
Looking Ahead
Although her children are gradually assuming leadership roles within the company, Hajia Muse insists retirement is not yet on the horizon.
Instead, she envisions Bomarah Group growing into a multinational business empire extending far beyond the maritime industry.
“Our vision is to build Bomarah into a dynasty that will outlive us.”
A Legacy Beyond Business
As the interview drew to a close, Hajia Bola Muse reflected on the mentors who shaped her career, including maritime icon Princess Vicky Haastrup, former NIMASA Director Hajia Lami Tumaka, Mrs. Ezenwa, former ANLCA President Olayiwola Shittu, and maritime stakeholder Bolaji Sunmola.
Above all, she expressed profound gratitude to her mother for laying the moral foundation upon which her life and business have been built.
More than three decades after entering the maritime industry, Hajia Bola Muse’s story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, integrity and compassionate leadership.
Through Bomarah Group and Bomarah Foundation, she continues to prove that true success is measured not merely by business growth or financial prosperity, but by the countless lives transformed along the journey.
