Yemisi Izuora
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Hadiza Bala Usman
has said that a lot still needs to be done “particularly in synergising
efforts and fine-tuning grey areas” in order to ensure continuous
improvement in the nation’s inter modal freight transport and logistics
value chain.
Assuring that the Authority would continue to remain focused and
determined to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve optimum
efficiency and productivity in the nation’s ports, Hadiza Usman said the
organisation has put in place several interventions and collaboration with
various stakeholders on the critical role of inter model transport to unlock
the potentials of the nation’s ports.
The Managing Director was speaking while presenting a paper titled,
“Inter Model Freight Transport: Key to unfolding the potential of Nigerian
Seaports for Speedy Economic Recovery and growth” at the national
conference on fast tracking port reforms.
Hadiza Bala Usman was represented by the Executive Director, Finance
and Administration of the Authority, Mohammed Bello KoKo at the
Conference organised by the Nation Newspaper in Abuja yesterday.
Hadiza Usman who enumerated some notable benefits associated with
Inter Modal Freight Transport, especially in the areas of seamless
transport as essential to shippers pointed out that “An economically
efficient and environmentally sound inter modal transport, provides the
basis for Nigeria to compete in the global economy and also will move
people and goods in an efficient manner”
She explained that the NPA Management lay premium on the critical role
of Inter Modal Transport 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 of Apapa and Tin
Can Island, establishment of several committee on ship turnaround time
and cargo dwell time to proffer solutions for expedited ship and cargo
receipt and evacuation from the ports as well as regular dialogue /
interaction with Port Terminal Operators on ways to improve efficient and
effective port operations.