NPA renews efforts to limit government agencies at ports to four.

 

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, revealed plans on Wednesday to introduce a policy and enforcement measures aimed at limiting the number of agencies operating in the port to a maximum of four. This initiative aligns with previous efforts under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari's administration, where NPA expelled seven out of the 14 agencies at the nation's sea ports. The goal is to streamline operations, reduce red tape, and enhance the ease of doing business in various sectors of the economy.

During the just-concluded Ministerial retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos, Bello-Koko emphasized the need to address the return of previously expelled agencies to the ports, which has hindered the smooth facilitation of trade. The proposal to limit the number of operating agencies is expected to expedite cargo delivery to importers' warehouses, ultimately reducing costs and improving overall efficiency at the nation's ports.

At the retreat, Bello-Koko outlined NPA's ambitious port modernization program, intending to rehabilitate deteriorating port infrastructure at key locations like TinCan, Apapa, Rivers, Onne, and Delta Ports within the next four years. The comprehensive plan also includes enhancing cargo handling equipment and reducing cargo turnaround time to remain competitive within the region.

To unlock new opportunities, the NPA is considering the completion of new port developments in locations such as Badagry, Ibom, Ondo, and Bonny in the shortest possible time frame. Additionally, the NPA is actively focusing on critical enablers for trade facilitation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between various government agencies, including Customs, the Nigerian Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Works.

In line with its broader strategy, the NPA aims to strengthen blue governance and transform port operations through the implementation of key initiatives such as the National Single Window, Port Community System, International Cargo Tracking Note, and Vessel Tracking System. These efforts contribute to the overall transformation and sustainability of blue economy investments in Nigeria.