The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, is seeking stakeholders commitment and cooperation to deal with challenges affecting efficiency at Ports and Maritime security.
Addressing Maritime stakeholders at the quarterly meeting of the Port Consultative Council (PCC), in Lagos, the Managing Director of the NPA, commended the PCC for impacting positively in the sector, as she affirmed the NPA Management’s commitment in 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 at our disposal.
Hadiza pointed out that “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”,
According to her, Management has embarked at critically ameliorating the challenges of doing business within the port environment. 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.
She further solicited for improved synergy by all stakeholders towards making the best use of the opportunities the sub sector has in stock towards the growth and development of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) most especially.
In his contribution, the Chairman Ports Consultative Council (PCC) Otunba Kunle Folarin appreciated and commended the MD NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, stressing that her vast accomplishments have indeed impacted positively in 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”.
Folarin explained that the council has been able to collaborate with stakeholders in the transport sector to bring required developmental progress to the industry calling for greater partnership.
