From left: Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman, acting Director General, Nigeria Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Engr. Chidi Izuwah during a visit to NPA recently.

FRANCIS EZEM

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman has reiterated the determination of the authority to support the early completion of all deep seaport projects across the country. This is given the potential of these projects to the future of maritime activities in Nigeria, especially towards achieving the hub port status for the West and Central African sub-region.

The Managing Director gave this assurance in Lagos Tuesday, when the management of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission ICRC led by its acting Director General Engineer Chidi Izuwah paid a visit to the Marina, Lagos headquarters of the authority.

According to her, early completion of the ongoing projects would not only facilitate operational efficiency in the nation’s maritime systems, but would also further strengthen the Federal Government’s policy of the Ease of Doing Business.

She restated the need to expand and further deepen the nation’s existing navigational channels, so as to accommodate bigger vessels with the attendant large scale advantages and with a view to generating more revenue to the country and improve trade facilitation in the sub region.

Usman further disclosed that plans are almost being concluded for the development of a business model meant for the Lilypond Terminal, as part of management’s resolve to improve service delivery in the terminal and charged all concerned with the working document for the review of the terminal’s concession agreement to speed up the processes that would allow for the swift consideration and possible approval for a five- year renewal being sought by Lilypond Terminal concessionaire.

The Director General of ICRC, earlier in his opening remarks, applauded the numerous positive changes the maritime industry, especially since the assumption of office of the Managing Director. He commended progress made in the area of improved synergy with relevant stakeholders, providing a level playing ground for all, efficient service delivery for port users, improved port operations among others.

Engineer Izuwah also lauded the reforms in the port industry which date back to 2003, pledging that the ICRC management was willing to support the drive towards ensuring the growth witnessed thus far was sustained in view of their huge economic benefits to the nation at large.

The DG also informed his host  that ICRC, which acts as the ‘eyes and ears’ of the Federal Government, was in Lagos to have a first -hand assessment of works at Lilypond Terminal and Josep Dam among other  Ministries, Departments and Agencies projects by the Federal Government.

“ICRC is keen at identifying the various encumbrances being faced by MDAs towards speedy job completions as well as provide suggestions through effective synergy with those concerned”, the DG also said.