A call has gone out to stakeholders in the Port industry for an improved synergy towards greater operational efficiency and proffer ways of tackling challenges, adding that it is critical for government in the face of its desire and commitment of making our Ports the leading port in Africa.
Addressing Maritime stakeholders at the quarterly meeting of the Port Consultative Council (PCC) held in Lagos, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) made this statement while commending the PCC for impacting positively in the sector. She affirmed the NPA Management’s desire at being committed 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 the Bala Usman, NPA has embarked at critically ameliorating the challenges of doing business within the port environment. These include palliative measures aimed at ending the gridlocks in Apapa, conversion of Lillypond Container terminal to 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 to 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.
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.