Yemisi Izuora
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority Hadiza Bala Usman said the agency is set to enhance its operational efficiency in the new year.
She also told Terminal Operators and Port Users that it would further open its doors for all players to surmount various bottlenecks with a view to providing a healthy and smooth environment for all Stakeholders.
Usman again assured Port users of Management’s renewed efforts towards the swift evacuation of Cargoes from the Nigerian Ports to the hinterlands and our land locked neighbours.
She recalled that with the Ease Of Doing Business introduced by the Federal Government, Management wishes to inform all that it has partnered with notable organizations and the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing at the reconstruction of dilapidated roads within the Ports axis for efficient Port Services across board.
The agency also assured all stakeholders that it would sustain and step up in the culture of efficiency and transparency, reiterating that it has put in place structures to drive this dream through the launch of the Revenue Income Management System (RIMS), which is a web based billing and revenue collection application fully automated for the entire billing circle of the NPA amongst others.
The Authority expressed the desire at improving collaboration with Sister Agencies towards a more seamless operation in the Ports environments with intent to reduce human contact. In this regard, it is partnering with the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) for the quick facilitation of the Single Window platform aimed at simplifying and harmonizing formalities, procedures and the related exchange of information which will be a major priority in the coming year.
The NPA further assured willing investors of its renewed determination at attracting investments to the Ports across the country through infrastructural development. Management wishes to stress that there has been constant dredging of the Channels to attain the expected draught level for incoming vessels at our Ports. This is expected to lead an unprecedented revenue generation and with the expectation that this effort would further be surpassed in the new-year.
It also assured all of its unflinching support in building on the successes of the Sector towards the growth and Development of the nation especially in the area of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economic rebound in the near future.
Usman therefore advised cargo owners to take advantage of the recent regime of incentives including the downward review of charges to ameliorate their financial burden, these include a regime of three (3) free days to twenty one (21) free days, for the next four months. The demurrage free period on the return of the empty containers has been increased from the current five (5) days period to fifteen (15) days as well.
The Authority appreciated the unflinching support, collaboration and cooperation from all stakeholders in its drive towards greater service delivery and customer satisfaction.