NPA Embarks On Modernising Decaying Ports Infrastructure At TinCan, Apapa, Others

The Nigerian Ports Authority said it has embarked on a modernisation programme of its ports at TinCan, Apapa, Rivers, Onne, and Delta Ports within the next four years.

This was disclosed by the Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Authority, Mohammed Bello-Koko at the Ministerial Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Bello-Koko in a statement said “I highlighted to the Minister (Gboyega Oyetola) the priority projects the authority embark on with timelines to enable us to compete with other ports in the region.”

“Of great importance is our ambitious port modernization programme to fully rehabilitate decaying port infrastructure at TinCan, Apapa, Rivers, Onne, and Delta Ports within the next four years. This will enable us improve our cargo handling equipment and reduce cargo turn around 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.”.

Related: Photos: NPA Management Team Meets Oyetola

The MD further said “for us to achieve these, we also looked at some critical enablers for trade facilitation. Though some enablers are interdependent on other agencies of government, such as Customs, the Nigerian 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.”