Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman

BY FRANCIS EZEM

The Nigerian Ports Authority NPA has said it is currently working towards the attainment of the global ISO 9001 certification as part of efforts to enhance financial performance of the authority, ensure quick turnaround time, improved traffic and business process at the seaports.

Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, who spoke while declaring open the NPA Special Day at the just concluded Lagos International Trade with the theme ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’, also directed terminal operators and other stakeholders to henceforth fully participate in trade fairs and exhibitions as part of efforts to promote the activities of the nation’s seaports and those of the terminal operators.

According to the MD, who was represented by the Port Manager, Rivers Ports, Alhaji Abubakar Umar, however disclosed that the authority has started aggressive efforts aimed at attaining the ISO 9001 complaints and certification at the nation’s various seaports.

She argued that the presence of the terminal operators in trade fair arena would enable them to showcase their activities to the numerous visitors to the fair and educate them on their services.

It was however gathered that management of NPA has directed all the relevant divisions and departments of authority in identified critical requirements needed to ensure the successful attainment of the 9001 certification project.

Recall that under the current concession regime there are 26 terminal operators operating in the six seaports in the country.  The terminal operators are responsible for the loading and off-loading of cargo at the seaports.

Meanwhile, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI, Dr Nike Akande disclosed that the chamber which was founded in 1888 is the premier as well as the oldest chamber of commerce in Nigeria

Represented by the Deputy President, Toki Mabogunje, the President also said that the primary objective was to promote support legislature or other policies affecting trade, industry, commerce and agriculture as well as represent the opinion of the business community on these matters and the economy as a whole.

“The 2018 Fair with the theme ‘Connecting Businesses, Creating Value’ would go a long way in promoting synergy by players in the public and private sectors for a mutual benefit. The present day business would desire connectivity in businesses, link industries and integrate processes to accelerate economic growth and development”, She said.

The President however lauded the NPA management for the several accomplishments aimed at repositioning the port industry for improved quality service delivery through an efficient port system.