Business
NPA MD Explains Increase In Cargo
The Managing Director of
the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mallam Habib Abdullahi has given reasons why there is an upsurge in the cargo through output in the nation’s seaports situated in Lagos, Calabar, Koko, Onne, Warri, and Port Harcourt were bedeviled with high cargo dwell time (CDT), pilfering, inadequate cargo handling equipment, and inefficiency until the port reforms initiated by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration led to reversal of their fortunes.
The exercise which was handled by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) led to the handover of the nation’s seaports to concessionaries in March 2006 while NPA remains the landlord.
Abdlullahi in a paper delivered titled “The Public Private and Port Efficiency: The Nigerian Experience” at the just concluded 12th International Africa Conference and Exhibition held in Lagos indentified efficient port services and upsurge in cargo throughoutput in the nation’s seaport as some of the positive impact of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the nation’s ports.
He also attributed reduction in CDT at the ports to improved vessel turnaround time as well as availablity of deeper and safe navigation channels as other impact of the PPP in the nation’s seaports.
The NPA helmsman said the PPP brought about improved port infrastructure through the rehabilitation and upgrading of port operation technologies and the development of Greenfield in the country.
Abdullahi, who dwelled extensively on the PPP in the nation’s port operation identified a number of investment opportunities derivable from the nation’s seaports, as a result of the partnership.
He pointed out that such opportunities were in the areas of channels management, pilotage and towage services and independent power project (IPP).
According to him, other investment opportunities derivable from the nation’s seaports as a result of the IPP included the development of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Greenfield Port Development. The NPA MD stated that increased participation of the private sector has been a key ingredient in improving the futures of Nigerian ports.
He added that several areas still exist in the nation’s seaports that are open to further private sector participation especially in the Greenfield deep seaport developments.
Minister of Transport Senator Idris .A. Umar had earlier in his opening remarks said the maritime industry remains a key to sustainable development of the economy due to its enormous potential which are get to be harnessed.
According to Umar over the years the nation has been carrying out a number of reforms measures aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency in the various ports.