By Foster Obi
Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman has called on stakeholders in the Port industry to create room for improved synergy towards greater operational efficiency and surmounting of challenges, as this is critical for the government in its commitment to making the Ports the leading harbour Africa.
Addressing Maritime stakeholders at thequarterly meeting of the Port Consultative Council (PCC) in Lagos, the MD highlighted NPA Management’s obligation towards tackling critical issues facing optimal operational capacity in areas that border on maritime safety and security, port access roads and multimodal transportation of cargo in view of the rich potentials involved.
“Indeed analyzing the overriding objectives of the Federal Government, Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) depends largely on how swiftly we can correct the inherent deficits in our port infrastructure especially the Port access roads,” she noted.
She said that the NPA has embarked on critically ameliorating the challenges of doing business within the port environment, adding, “these include palliatives at ending the gridlocks at Apapa and its axis, conversion of Lillypond Container Terminal into a holding bay for trucks, innovation with the automation of the Call-Up System for trucks and other incentives given for the transfer of cargo through barges from Ikorodu, Epe and Ijegun amongst others.”
A statement signed by A. A. Jatto, NPA General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, said that the MD further solicited improved synergy among all stakeholders towards making the best use of the opportunities the sub sector offers towards the growth and development of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
In his contribution, the Chairman Ports Consultative Council (PCC) Otunba Kunle Folarin appreciated and commended Hadiza Bala Usman, stressing that her vast accomplishments have indeed impacted positively on the sector.
“We’ve continued to score a lot of mileage and we need the support of all agencies to move the council to the next level,” he declared. He explained that the Council has been able to collaborate with stakeholders in the transport sector to bring required developmental progress to the industry while also calling for greater partnership.
Pix: L-R: The Asst. Director, Port Administration, Fed. Ministry of Transportation, Ofie Sunday, the Asst. Comptroller General / Zonal Coordinator Zone “A”, Chinwe Ekekezie, the MD NPA, HadizaBala Usman, the Chairman, PCC Otunba Kunle Folarin, the Deputy Chairman, PCC, Major HemryAjetunmobi (rtd.) during the event.
