Nahimah Ajikanle Nurudeen
The Honorable Minister of Transportation Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has urged members of Marine Transport Committee of the National Assembly to expedite action concerning transport sector reform bill, in order to give the industry effective performance across the board.
According to a statement made available to Authentic Platform News Nigeria (apnewsng.com) by NPA’s General Manager,Public Affairs, M.K Ajayi Amaechi made the appealed at the 2016 world maritime day celebration in Lagos.
The Minister stressed the need for the Nigerian Port Authority, (NPA) to show commitment towards single window project, improved vessel traffic and to fast track her automated cargo handling operations, which will invariably enhance revenue generation in the port industry.
According to him, this year’s event was a reflection on the role of private sector in the continuous efforts to turn around the maritime industry.
The minister who advocated for a re-examination of the free movement of cargo within the West African sub-region, as a result of the unwholesome activities of some companies doing business within nations bothering Nigeria, promised that everything will be done to ensure Nigeria maximizes her shipping potentials with a view of making more economic gains.
Also, the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman said she had given approvals for budgetary allocation which will ensure that all degenerated infrastructure would be repaired in order to increase traffic and operations in our Ports.
She expressed NPA’s determination to stick to the details Of the Authority’s 25 years master plan for development of the ports in the country, as this will remove overlaps and ensure NPA is properly repositioned for improved revenue generation, adding that a clear development plan will soon evolve.
Bala noted that the organization was in the process of reviewing all concession agreements stressing that sanctions will be applied to all those who falter in the MOU agreements earlier signed in the wake of concession, since NPA will do everything to ensure a level playing field for all Stakeholders.
Present at the meeting include Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Transport, Alh. S. Zakari, a former Managing Director of the NPA Chief Adebayo Sarumi, Director General of NIMASA Dr. Dakuku Peterside, A Maritime lawyer And stakeholder Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi amongst several others.
