By Foster Obi
Managing Director Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman has reiterated the total commitment of the Authority to achieve the ISO 9001 & OHSAS 18001 certification and compliant especially in its Harbours Services, with a view to accelerating efficiency in the system.
She has therefore issued a 90 (Ninety) day marching orders to the relevant Divisions and Departments in the Authority to accomplish all the identified critical requirements needed to ensure the successful attainment of the ISO 9001 Certification project within the Harbour Services of the Authority.
Speaking at a Management Awareness Workshop on the subject in Lagos yesterday, the Managing Director implored all top cadre Management office of the Authority to fully identify with the Management’s vision in achieving the ISO compliant and certification.
The awareness workshop which is being managed by the Renner & Renner Training & Consultancy Services is part of activities towards getting the Authority certified and compliant to the ISO Standards specifically in the Harbour system.
Hadiza Bala Usman enjoined all the workforce of the Authority to be committed to the total success of the project so that the ports would be seen to be contributing positively to the nation’s economy and further attain relevance amongst other ports in the International Maritime terrain especially in the sub region.
While impressing on the consultant to be “Open and frank” in the conduct of the project, the Managing Director stressed the need for them to address all the issues involved on the subject, adding that the Management will be guided by the outcome of the workshop in its ISO compliant and certification drive.
On the implementation and sustenance of the ISO project, Hadiza explained that the Management would strictly adhere to the timeline and effective tracking to ensure that all aspects of the project are adequately covered.
Giving an insight into the content of the workshop and the project, the Project Manager Ibby Iyama said there is an urgent need for change in the way things are done within the Harbours Services of the Authority with a view to improving the efforts to attain of the ISO certification.
She explained that Harbour services being the bedrock of the Authority’s operations is at the centre of the project, which would also cover the Four Pilotage Districts and the Communication, Command, Control and Intelligence (3C1) Centre.
Ibby Iyama enumerated the enormous benefits that awaits the Authority if the Organisation achieved the ISO certification to include improved financial performance, quick turnaround time, improved traffic and business processes and other quality assures services to NPA’s vast clients.
Similar awareness workshop would be held in all port locations in Lagos, Rivers, Calabar and Warri, within the next two weeks attendance would include Port Managers, Harbour Masters, Senior Pilots and Health Safety and Environment Officers (HSE)
Pix: NPA MD, Hadiza Bala Usman
