28 February 2018, Sweetcrude, Lagos – The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, is encouraging the movement and evacuation of cargoes from the nation’s seaports to the hinterland through use of barges.
This, according to NPA’s Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman, was in order to reduce the pressure on the access roads to the ports in Lagos and to resolve the perennial gridlock being experienced within the ports axis.
The managing director disclosed this while speaking through the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Davies, at the first quarter forum of the Ports Consultative Council, PCC, on Victoria Island, Lagos.
A statement by Abdullahi A. Goje, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, said Usman informed stakeholders at the gathering that the NPA management was paying premium to the development of ports infrastructure in order to engender efficient service delivery at the seaports.
She assured that the authority was working towards ensuring the speedy completion of renovation works on the quay apron at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, maintaining that the renovation of the quay would improve the operational efficiency of the ports.
Stressing that the management would continue to maintain a harmonious relationship with its stakeholders, the managing director called for their support and compliance with government directives.
The chairman, PCC, Otunba Kunle Folarin, at the occasion urged operators and other stakeholders to engage the NPA on a mutually beneficial relationship, saying this would help in moving the Industry forward.