Barring any last minute changes, the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi will visit the headquarters of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for the first time today.
Amaechi will also pay his maiden visit to the nation’s two largest seaports – the Lagos Port Complex Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port Complex.
The visit to Lagos today will be Amaechi’s first since he was appointed Transportation Minister by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 11.
A source at the Ministry informed SHIPS & PORTS DAILY that Amaechi’s visit to the port is an indication that he understands the importance of the shipping sector.
“He has already received briefings from all the agencies under the Transport Ministry including the aviation sector which is also under him. To have chosen to visit the seaports first means a lot. It means he understands the importance of the maritime sector and is ready to give it quality attention,” a source in the Minister’s office who does not want his identity disclosed because he was not authorised to speak to the press on the matter told SHIPS & PORTS DAILY.
The Minister is also expected to visit other maritime agencies based in Lagos during the week.
Amaechi had given an indication of how he intends to pilot the affairs of the Ministry during his first meeting with top officials of the Ministry on November 12.
“It is important that we realise that we have a mandate to deliver on our promises and there is competition among the ministers to deliver and we don’t want to take last,” he had told the Ministry officials.
Amaechi also emphasised on the issue of corruption, warning that anybody that would work with him must not approach him for money.
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