The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said it is embarking on a $1.1 billion port rehabilitation plan with a view to ensuring a strong commitment to fortify Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.
Speaking during a panel session during the 43rd Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) conference in Lagos, NPA Managing Director, Mohammed Bello Koko, said with almost every port in Nigeria requiring rehabilitation, the NPA is initiating a substantial overhaul, starting with the Tin-Can and Apapa ports in Lagos.
He stated that the objective of the authority is to enhance the physical infrastructure of the ports to accommodate vessels of all sizes and increase the draft at the quayside, with the aim of achieving draft depths of up to 14 meters.
Koko further stated that the NPA is also strengthening collaborations with the private sector to establish new seaports.
Recognising the inefficiencies associated with road evacuation of cargo from the port, he said the NPA is actively working on alternatives initiatives, which include implementing barges and expanding rail infrastructure. He said rail line has reached Apapa port and will soon extend to Tin-Can port.
He said the survey for deploying cargo rail and tracks to Onne port has been completed, setting the stage for the project to kick off next year.
“The authority has automated its collection system and is collaborating with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to introduce a state-of-the-art port community system, poised to optimise cargo clearance processes,” he said.
He said NPA is collaborating with Nigeria Customs Service to reduce bottlenecks and cut the cost of doing business within the ports.
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