The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has pledged to collaborate with sister government agencies at the nation’s ports to ensure the cost of doing business at the terminals is reduced in line with the Federal Government’s policy on Ease of Doing Business.
Acting Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko gave the assurance when he played host to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Emmanuel Jime at the NPA’s corporate headquarters in Lagos recently.
Bello Koko added that the Authority will also synergise with relevant government agencies in the maritime sector to ensure that industry rules and regulations are strictly adhered to by all players.
According to him, effective enforcement of regulations and provision of efficient port service delivery in line with global best practice can be enhanced with cordial working relationship between government agencies.
He also stressed that all hands must be on deck to position Nigerian ports as the preferred destination in Africa.
According to the NPA helmsman, government on its part has solicited the cooperation of all maritime agencies to come up with actions that are aimed at reducing the cost of doing business in the ports, an exercise he said the NPA is willing to lend support to.
Bello Koko further added that the Authority would continue to make its operations at the ports very swift through the continued purchase of marine craft, such as tug boats and security boats with a view to making its service attractive to foreign investors.
The NPA Acting MD also assured the NSC team of his collaboration with the other government agencies and terminal operators to resolve the present state of Quay Walls at the Port in line with modern day demands of vessels that berth at the various ports.
Bello Koko acknowledged that the Nigerian Ports Process Manual (NPPM) is the game-changer and frowned at the frequent arbitrary increase in the cost of freighting in Nigeria by freight forwarders without due consultation with the relevant government agencies.
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He also commended the collaboration with the NSC, especially in the implementation of the Nigerian Port Process Manual and the impact thus far in resolving the issue of tariff with terminal operators.
“We shall work with you to ensure that shipping lines do not increase rates without consultations”, he told the Shippers’ Council boss.
Earlier in his address, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Executive Secretary stated that he was in the NPA head office to commend the Authority for the seamless relationship between both agencies which has over the years contributed to the growth and development of the nation at large.
Mr. Jime thanked the NPA Management for the digitization of its operations which has positively impacted in the improved service delivery at the Ports.
Jime also solicited for improvement in the area of power supply at the terminals and a review of a platform for all Heads of Maritime agencies which would assist in effective communication in resolving pending issues such as overlapping responsibilities.
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