NPA to reduce govt agencies operating at ports

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, has proposed a policy to reduce the number of regulatory agencies operating in the port to a maximum of four.

He disclosed this at the just-concluded ministerial retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, in Lagos.

“I highlighted to the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola, the priority projects we would embark on with timelines to enable us to compete with other ports in the region. Of great importance is our ambitious port modernisation programme to fully rehabilitate decaying port infrastructure at Tin Can, Apapa, Rivers, Onne, and Delta Ports within the next four years. This will enable us improve our cargo handling equipment and reduce cargo turnaround time.

“To open up new vistas of opportunities, we also considered the possibilities of concluding new port developments in Badagry, Ibom, Ondo, and Bonny within the shortest possible timeframe.
“For us to achieve this, we also looked at some critical enablers for trade facilitation. Though some enablers are interdependent on other agencies of government, such as Customs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Works, we need to build a strong collaboration between these agencies.
“To this effect, we are proposing a policy and enforcement measures to reduce the number of agencies operating in the port to a maximum of four.

“Broadly, we are strengthening blue governance and transforming port operations with the implementation of the National Single Window, Port Community System, International Cargo Tracking Note, and Vessel Tracking System, while also transforming the sustainability of blue economy investments,” he said.