MD NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman

BY FRANCIS EZEM

The Nigerian Ports Authority NPA has assured that it would continue to remain focused and determined to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve optimum efficiency and productivity in the nation’s seaports through an efficient intermodal transport system.

The authority also said it has put in place several interventions and collaboration with various stakeholders on the critical role of intermodal transport system as part of efforts to unlock the vast potential of the nation’s shipping industry.

Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, who gave these assurances, however said that a lot still needed to be done particularly in terms of synergising efforts and fine-tuning grey areas in order to ensure continuous improvement in the nation’s intermodal freight transport and logistics value chain.

Speaking on a topic entitled: “Inter Model Freight Transport: Key to unfolding the potential of Nigeria’s Seaports for Speedy Economic Recovery and growth” at the national conference on fast tracking of port reforms organised by the Nation Newspaper in Abuja, the MD, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mohammed Bello KoKo, insisted that there was need for collaborative efforts to realise these objectives.

“There are several notable benefits associated with intermodal freight transport, especially in the areas of seamless transport, which is essential to shippers. An economically efficient and environmentally sound intermodal transport system provides the basis for Nigeria to compete in the global economy and also will move people and goods in an efficient manner.

“In view if this, the NPA management places premium on the crucial role played by intermodal transport system and that is why it is collaborating with several stakeholders in the funding and rehabilitation of Apapa Port access roads, introduction of the rail links to the Lagos Ports Complex, Apapa and Tin Can Island Port Complex, establishment of several committees on ship turnaround time and cargo dwell time to proffer solutions for efficient ship and cargo receipt and evacuation from the ports as well as regular dialogue and interaction with port terminal operators on ways to improve efficient and effective port operations”, the MD said.