Dantsoho

Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has assured that the Authority would deploy the $700million investment from the Federal Government to boost its ongoing port modernisation project and the National Single Window NSW, platform, in line with the broad policy of tackling operational challenges at the seaports.

Represented by the General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communications Department of the Authority, Mr. Ikechukwu OnyemaKara at a recent media event, the Managing Director further assured that the ongoing port modernisation project will cover all the seaports nationwide, which commenced with those in Lagos, adding that the project is part of the broad policy framework to make the country’s seaports efficient and competitive.

He added that the port modenisation project and the expected deployment of the National Single Window platform, which will integrate all seaport documentations across the various agencies remains the game changer in Nigeria’s quest to revolutionise her seaport operations.

Dr. Dantsoho said: “The modernisation project and the deployment of the NSW, when operational, would tackle the pressing problems port congestion and delays in cargo deliverance, which have long plagued the sector.

“The NPA is also working to improve logistics, including rail transportation from APM Terminal in Apapa and other alternative cargo transport options.

“We are equally reviewing the efficiency, throughput and optimisation of the Truck Call-Up Management System also called the ETO initiative deployed by the NPA few years ago to address logistics chain challenges in the country’s port system. We are certain that the review would deliver a more effective implementation plan, with provisions to ensure the ETO works seamlessly.

“In all these, the seaports in the eastern part of the country are not left out. Recall also that when we were dredging port channels, the ports in the east were equally carried along. This is also given that government investments are focused on areas with returns on investment, which is why Lagos is the starting point.”

The MD, who expressed optimism that the NPA’s vision for the port industry would leave a lasting legacy for future generations, urged the media to play a proactive role in monitoring societal developments, warning against reports that could tarnish the country’s image among comity of nation.