NPA Board Set To Review Port Concession Agreements

 The board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is set to review port concessionaires agreement with a view to improving on operational procedures in all the nation’s seaports.

The board also assured that it would work optimally towards enforcing and with a view to actualizing the long bone desire of becoming a hub in the sub-region as well as conforming to International best practices.

The Board Chairman NPA, Mr. Emmanuel Adesoye made these remarks during an appreciation tour of facilities in the area with other board members and top Management of the Organization at the Onne Port complex within the Eastern Ports corridor.

The board agreed that it would carry out a holistic review of agreements entered into with various concessionaires across the nation in order to effectively evaluate their conformity since inception of concession in 2006. Culprits may have their agreement revoked and taken over by serious investors who would comply accordingly with government desires at the improvement of our Ports.

According to Adesoye, it has been observed that many concessionaires have often times failed to fulfill their contractual obligations with the NPA Management as a result of one reason or the other. These he said will no longer be tolerated because revenue meant for the organization through lease and other fees are not being remitted to the organization regularly. He frowned at the abandonment and neglect of about 70% vast green field meant for investment within the Eastern Ports Axis.

He assured the NPA work force in the location that the board would ensure that useful deliberations are embarked upon with management on ways of providing relevant operational tools such as Tug boats for effective and swift delivery of services within the location. He affirmed that these will enhance and assist in the realization of the Vision and Mission statement of the organization which is to be the leading Port in Africa whilst delivering efficient Port services in a safe, secure and customer friendly environment.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Manager Eastern Port, Abdullahi Goje informed the board chairman and other board members of the various positive developments, playing out in the location in recent times.

One of such is the setting up of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority aimed at “encouraging international trade between Nigeria and other sister nations”.

The board members undertook a facility tour of terminals within the location. The Chairman then stated that there would be a level playing field across board for mutual benefits.

The facility tour is part of the activities through which the board is acquitting itself with the Port system. Stakeholders and top management of the NPA were part of the