Port Commissioning Improves Revenue – NPA

The concessioning of the Nigerian Ports by the Federal Government has led to enhanced revenue yield to the nation’s economy.

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Engr Omar Suleiman, disclosed this during the 18th Breakfast session of the American Business Council in Lagos recently.

The Federal Government, he said, is repositioning the ports for greater efficiency to attract private sector participation in the maritime industry.

Port concession, Suleiman said, was aimed at meeting the demand of shipping traffic in the 21st centry, ensure harmonized integrated development and address all challenges that could hamper trade facilitation at the ports.

The target of the federal government, he said is to make the Nigerian ports the leader in Africa.

To achieve this, the managing Director told the council that the federal government has approved the construction of 1.6 kilometer dual carriage road in Apapa, Tin-can Island service lane, Kirikiri lighter Terminal phase II and Industrial Estate Road at Tin-can Island which has been completed.

On inter-model transportation system in the ports, Suleiman said, NPA is collaborating with Nigerian Railway corporation to rehabilitate rail network of Lagos and Port Harcourt Ports.

He also told the council that the federal government has embarked on the rehabilitation of the harbour to protect it and provide calm waters for vessels navigating and berthing at Lagos ports.

On-going rehabilitation of the moles, he said was aimed at restoring the integrity and stability of the break waters damaged over time due to wave attacks and erosion.