Reports emerging from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) states that the fortune of the Maritime Sector is set to experience good times, as the Ports now function at par with international standards in the area of cargo handling and improved ports operations.
This was made known by the Managing Director of NPA, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, while receiving a delegation of the United Parcel Service (UPS) that paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Lagos, as contained in a release signed by the General Manager, Public Affairs of NPA, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu.
Mallam Abdullahi, represented by the Director, Marine and Operations of NPA, Engr. David Omonibeke, enthused that Nigerian Ports were more effectively and efficiently run, which has enhanced the contributions of the maritime sector to the nation’s economy.
While commending the terminal operators for the acquisition of the state of the art equipment that has eased Ports operations in Nigeria, the MD said, “there are only seven agencies that are approved by the Federal Government to carry out examination of goods while others may be invited by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), if the need arise,”
He further disclosed that the Federal Government has also approved the establishment of deep/dry seaports in some parts of the country in order to increase the facilities provided by the Authority.
According to Abdullahi, “the FG has put up efficient rail systems to ease the movement of cargo from the Ports to any destination across the nation and the management of NPA is collaborating with the State Government and stakeholders to make the access road motorable.
In his response, the leader of delegation Michael Druss thanked the Management of Nigerian Ports Authority for the tremendous development and transformation that has taken place in the various terminals across the nation.
Mr.Druss asserted that the aim of the visit was to partner with NPA so as to agree on modalities for both organizations (NPA/UPS) to operate harmoniously.
