The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman has opened up on the positive after effects of her ongoing strategic reforms at the Nigerian ports.
In her message at the just concluded 2017 Lagos International Trade fair, she explained to industry stakeholders and other players that the NPA is investing resources in the area of capacity building to drive efficiency into the Port system and grow the economy in the process.
She said developing nations have come to the realization that industrialization is a channel through which a nation’s economic recovery short and long term is dependent upon.
Giving further insights on the theme ‘Promoting Industrialization For Economic Recovery And Sustainable Growth,’ the NPA helmsperson, represented by the General Manager Corporate and Strategic Communications, Abdullahi Goje, averred that the Authority’s management is assiduously working towards making our seaports a safe haven for Investors within the sub-Sahara Africa by providing a conducive environment for all in line with International best practices.
According to her, “There is currently an Executive Order on 24 hour Port Operations and the Authority has placed all the necessary mechanisms to ensure the realization of the Order’’
Earlier in her address of welcome, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr. (Mrs.) Nike Akande lauded the contributions of the NPA to the growth and development of the nation’s economy, and called on the relevant agencies to ensure an enabling environment for an efficient Port system.
Usman added that “The Ports are critical to the economic life of this country and this makes it imperative that Agencies managing the Nation’s Ports and Maritime Infrastructure must continually work towards a better regulatory and operational environment that guarantees Ports efficiency across the Country. The issues around Port Operations are well known by the Agencies concerned with Port Management in Nigeria and we acknowledge the efforts of Government towards improving the efficiency of the Ports’’.
In his speech the Chairman, Trade Promotion of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Sola Oyetayo commended the Managing Director for her passion towards the participation of NPA at the fair.
Highlight of the occasion was the presentation of plaque of recognition to the Managing Director for her contributions to the development of Nigeria economy in the Maritime sector.
The NPA Management was duly represented by the Assistant General Managers, Corporate and Strategic Communications and Port Promotions I.A Suwaid, I.S Nasiru Media communications and Protocol while on the LCCI delegation had on its team the Deputy President Mr.BabatundeRowase(FCA)as wellas the Chairman Trade promotions Board Mr. Sola Oyetayo.
