NPA maintains uniform tariffs across all ports in Nigeria including Rivers Port—Umar
The Port Manager of Rivers Port Complex, Mr. A. G. Umar has made a clarification, saying the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) operates a uniform tariff across all port complexes in Nigeria.
This has therefore put to rest, claims that tariff differentials scares customers away from Rivers Port.
Explaining more on the activities of Rivers Port Complex, during a recent courtesy visit of Maritime, Energy and Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MEMPON) led by the National President Dr. Ralph John to his Basket House office, the Port Manager said “Rivers Port is ready and open to receive as many vessels as possible than as before, stating that its strategic location near the hub of business as Aba and Onitsha gives it an edge over others”.
He said because of the effectiveness of its two Terminal Operators; Ports and Terminal Operators (Nigeria) Limited and BUA Ports and Terminal who have made effort to market the Port.
He therefore called on importers to utilize this advantage to bring it cargoes, also stating that the non-congestion of the terminals make it easy for vessels to be berthed when compared to other Ports.
Responding on efforts to boost business in the Port, the Port Manager intimated the Journalist that his is partnering with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) to ensure that the Port gets boost in business.
On the issue of security, Mr. A. G. Umar revealed that the Port which was previously on security level two (2) in now on level one (1). He commended the efforts of NIMASA in safeguarding the waterways, which he said has made the channels safe thereby increasing number of vessels weekly.
Mr. Umar who stated earlier that Nigerian Ports Authority whose duty is to generate revenue for the Federal Government as other agencies will do much more if some of its challenges are addressed.
While conducting members of MEMPON round the facilities revealed that the Port needs a total rehabilitation, continuous maintenance and dredging to enable it receive more vessels as well as more tug boats and newer Pilot Cutters.
In his remarks, the President of MEMPON revealed that there has been a remarkable improvement in the activities of the Port since Umar’s assumption of office in Rivers Port.
He pledged that MEMPON will always be ready to synergize with the Port to boost activities while commending the Port Manager on the level of security the Port has attained.
In the same vein, he urged the Federal Government to take steps in ensuring the provisions of facilities for better output.
