Most Nigeria’s seaports require urgent Rehabilitation - Bello Koko …Insists projected $1.1bn plan good start

 

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko has said most of Nigeria seaports has become obsolete and therefore require urgent rehabilitation to enhance their global competitiveness.

The MD disclosed this during a panel session at the just concluded Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) conference held in Lagos. He said the plan is in line with the need to carry out a substantial overhaul of the port facilities that the management embarked on a port rehabilitation plan, which is expected to gulp $1.1 billion.

In his words, “Almost every port in Nigeria requires rehabilitation, this is why the NPA is initiating a substantial overhaul, starting with the Tin Can Island and Apapa Ports in Lagos; “The objective of the authority is to enhance the physical infrastructure of these ports to accommodate vessels of all sizes and increase the draft at the quay side, with the aim of achieving draft depths of up to 14 meters. This initiative will make Nigeria’s seaports more competitive on a global scale.

Continuing, Bello-Koko said “The NPA is also strengthening collaborations with the private sector to establish new seaports. Notably, the Lekki Deep Seaport has already commenced operations, and the Badagry Deep Seaport recently signed an agreement with a Middle Eastern party, with construction scheduled to commence early next year.

“These endeavours exemplify the NPA’s determination to create a multimodal transport system connecting all ports seamlessly. We recognise the inefficiencies associated with road-dependent cargo evacuation, so the NPA is actively working on alternative initiatives which include implementing barges and expanding rail infrastructure. The rail line has currently connected Apapa Port and will soon be extended to Tin Can Island Port”, the Managing Director said.

 As part of efforts to streamline port operations and reduce costs of doing business in the ports, the MD said NPA has also commenced the automation of port processes, which is being done in partnership with the UK-based International Maritime Organisation IMO.

Bello-Koko said: “NPA has automated its collection system and is collaborating with the IMO to introduce a state-of-the-art port community system, designed to optimise cargo clearance processes”

“The NPA is also working on clarifying the responsibilities of government agencies within the ports with the newly developed port process manual, aimed to reduce overlaps and eliminate duplication of duties.

“The deployment of the Deep Blue Sea project, equipped with air and sea assets, is enhancing security in the Gulf of Guinea and contributing to a significant reduction in piracy incidents within Nigerian waters. Additionally, the NPA is working closely with the Nigeria Customs Service to curb bottlenecks associated cargo clearance and by so doing, reduce cost of doing business within the port community.

“We are also developing a 25-year port master plan that will guide the location, sizes, and activities of ports, terminals, and jetties in Nigeria. The master plan will serve as a national working document, uniting all stakeholders towards marine and logistics development”.

Meanwhile, President of PMAWCA, Mr. Martin Boguikouma, who spoke earlier, charged African countries to address challenges facing the region to be able to receive the new volume of trade traffic that would be associated with the emergence of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement AfCFTA.

According to him, ways to address these challenges could include but not limited to collaboration between Customs Administrations and Port Authorities and to harmonise Customs procedures within the region.

Boguikouma said: “Africa needs to ensure capacity building of all seaports and Customs officials, and sensitise them on how to address cross border trade. There is also need to reduce transport cost, investing in efficient transport infrastructure, and maritime safety through enhanced interstate cooperation.

“Gabon has just put in place things that would ensure that free trade become a success.