The chairman, House of Representative Committee on Marine Transport, Hon Ifeanyi Uguwanyi has disclosed that the amended Cabotage Act will be out soon, while the Port Act has been listed for first reading.

Hon Ugwuanyi dropped the hint in a chat with maritime reporters during the committee’s fact finding mission to the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Port Harcourt Port Area One and that of Onne Ports, in Rivers State on Wednesday.

According to him, the two acts which are very vital, will capture exempted areas and create more jobs as well as make provision for concessionaires and funding of the ports.

He said the 7th Assembly members would add value to the maritime sector, adding that, “To take maritime sector to the next level is our mission”.

The federal lawmaker said the House mandated the members of the committee to thoroughly assess the activities of Port Harcourt  Port and Onne Port and have first hand information, and report back to the House for further deliberation.

He however, charged the workers to ensure service delivery and better performance and called on the authorities to encourage the workers.

Earlier, the Acting General Manager, Eastern Ports, Empire Uchena Ugochukwu thanked members of the committee and hoped that their visit would bring changes to the port operations in Port Harcourt Ports Area One.

The acting general manager, who also highlighted the benefits of the concessionaires said major ports in the world over, were run by operators, and that the decision by the federal government in this direction is a most successful and welcomed policy as development has taken place in the ports.

The committee members were taken round the port facilities despite the deplorable road network to the ports.

Collins Barasimeye