*Hadiza Bala Usman.
*Threatens to sanction erring operators
Vincent Toritseju
13 February 2018, Sweetcrude, Lagos — The Nigerian Ports Authority has warned terminal operators and shipping companies in Nigeria to desist from delaying the payment of concession fees and other dues and levies or face severe sanctions.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos recently, NPA’s Managing Director, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman said that the agency was poised to provide world-class facilities with a view to ensuring efficient port operations.
Usman said reiterated its commitment at ensuring that outstanding payments and dues meant for the NPA coffers by Stakeholders are remitted as quickly as possible as this would provide an enabling environment for efficient Port services in view of the vital role the Maritime sub-sector plays.”
According to the agency boss, Management has put in place a machinery at ensuring that there is a level playing field for Operators doing business in the sector using the Ports as it would ensure that rules guiding Port Operations strictly adhere to the latter.
She explained that authority has also constituted Committee to liaise with representatives of Terminal Operators with the view to reviewing existing Concession agreement as plans are in the offing to actualize this within the shortest possible time.
Usman, however, frowned at the attitude of Shipping Companies and Terminal Operators who connive to litter the roads with empty containers under the guise of having a Holding bay.
Sanctions she stressed would be meted to erring Organisations who refuse to obey rules guiding these directives after a One week window
