The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, has said that the Authority would soon embark on the dredging of Onne Port in Rivers State to 11 meters to accommodate bigger vessels in the port.
Usman disclosed this in Lagos, last Tuesday while receiving the Danish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Jesper Kamp, who paid her a courtesy visit.
Represented by the Executive Director, Marine Operations, NPA, Dr. Sokonte Davies, Usman said efforts were on going to increase the depth of the draught of Onne Port to 11 meters to accommodate bigger vessels in the port
In a statement issued by the NPA General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Engr. Jatto Adams, the Authority said it was poised to providing enabling environment for business to grow in the maritime sector as she called for continuous engagement on the way forward in the maritime sector.
Dr. Sokonte told the Ambassador that the NPA was committed to the development of Deep Seaports across Nigeria in line with the development of global economy which is about maritime.
He said as a pioneer in the maritime business, the Authority would always tap from the wealth of experience of the Danish government.
Responding, the Ambassador told the Managing Director that he embarked on the visit as part of his efforts to promote Danish-Nigerian trade relations and attract investment to Nigeria.
Mr Kamp said that his mission was to facilitate investment to Nigeria, as he has been mobilizing Danish companies to come and invest in Nigeria, as exemplified by MAERSK Line and other companies.
The Ambassador said that the Danish government operates thirty commercial vessels in the Gulf of Guinea, adding that his country is concerned about security in the Nigeria maritime industry.
The envoy explained that the Danish government was collaborating with Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA and IMO on training of marine cadets and maritime security and called on NPA to be part of this collaboration.
Earlier, the Managing Director of MAERSK Line, Mr Gildas Tohouo, who accompanied the Danish Ambassador, thanked the management of NPA and other stakeholders for their support for Maersk Line and for efforts at increasing the depth of Onne port.
He reiterated the willingness of his company to patronise Onne Port the moment the port channel is deepened by additional one meter.

Stories by Chinedu Wosu