Marine Operations Improves As NPA Upgrades Infrastructure

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Omar Suleiman in outlining his vision for the Authority said he will be committed to Development of necessary infrastructure as part of efforts to make Nigerian seaports the hub in the West African region.
In line with this mandate, the Nigerian Ports Authority has continued to upgrade marine port infrastructure   as part of its responsibility as outlined in the Port concession agreement.

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Omar Suleiman in outlining his vision for the Authority said he will be committed to Development of necessary infrastructure as part of efforts to make Nigerian seaports the hub in the West African region.
In line with this mandate, the Nigerian Ports Authority has continued to upgrade marine port infrastructure   as part of its responsibility as outlined in the Port concession agreement.
Port infrastructures are facilities that provide the needed interface between maritime and other transport modes in global trade. . Their importance therefore, cannot be over-emphasized. Due to economy of scale, maritime transportation accounts for the movement of between 90-95% of international trade and contributes greatly to socio-economic development of our society.
Due to increase in Trade volumes Port Authorities that are not investing in port infrastructure have been placed at a big disadvantage. This trend of larger ships will increase for better port facilities and for significant improvement in port productivity in Africa.
 One of the major upgrades being undertaken by NPA is the rehabilitation of the Lagos harbour moles which was constructed 100 years ago .To underscore the importance of the project ,at the assumption of office ,the Hon minister of Transport ,Senator Idris Umar in company of the Managing Director NPA visited the site .The project is 98% completed of the original scope of work.
The Management of Nigerian Ports Authority awarded contract for the supply and installation of marine fenders (Zones 1, 2 and 3) in all the sea Ports to protect both vessels and the Quay Walls against damages and to also allow for smooth manoeuvring of vessels alongside the quays during berthing.
With constant use, the ports are subjected to environmental degradation, accidental impact by vessels and quay apron damage resulting in serious deterioration of the facility. NPA therefore decided that major rehabilitation of the port facilities was required starting with the quay wall and quay apron of Tin Can Island  .The project is already at 70% completed.
At a recent  visit of executives of Maritime Reporters Association Nigeria (MARAN) to the Managing Director of NPA recently, Omar Suleiman said that the Organisation is resolutely committed to the long term development of port infrastructures. ‘What we are doing at NPA is in line with the transformation agenda of his Excellency President Goodluck Jonathan he said’’.
With the recent increase in ship and cargo traffic experienced at the Nation’s sea ports which has resulted in the cargo throughput rising from 42 million in 2006 to 82miilion in 2011 ,these developments will undoubtedly position the organisation in its quest to be the hub of West and Central Africa.