Ongoing NPA reforms have raised cargo throughput, EoDB at ports—Bala-Usman
More results from three years of rolling strategic reforms by the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have continued to manifest in both cargo throughput and Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) at ports.
Speaking at the just concluded three-day training for Maritime Reporters and Editors on Data-Driven Journalism with the Theme; ‘NPA and Ongoing Reforms’ held in Lagos, the Managing Director, Hadiza Bala-Usman said “Our collaborative effort with the private sector which has provided palliative on the port access roads, but the feat is being fast tracked with the medium term plan which include planned completion of Truck Loading Bay (TLB)”.
Speaking through the General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Strategies, Engr Adams Jatto, she revealed that “With the TLB scheme, the Authority is working on the template of introducing Truck Call Up mechanism which will further effect the congestion of port access roads with articulated vehicles heading to the ports and causing traffic crisis on the axis going forward.
Giving other highlights on the reforms of the NPA, Bala-Usman disclosed that the developing nations of the world are presently faced with the challenges of industrial growth and development, which can be accessed through the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of a country. While arguing that Nigeria was not an exception, NPA noted that this is the time for all maritime stakeholders to tap from the numerous potentials and opportunities Nigeria could benefit from its location with Sub-Saharan Africa.
She added that “The recent commissioning of the Command and Control Communication and Intelligence Centre for NPA will serve as surveillance of all activities and as an information network centre for security agencies in the ports.
“Acquisition and commissioning of four new tug boats namely MT Daura, MT Ubima, MT Uromi and MT Majiya in order to further improve operational efficiency.
“Upgrade of 25-year Port Development Master Plan. Transformation of the Authority’s manpower development practices to improve the skill, knowledge and capacity of employees.
During the training which cut across latest investigative techniques using data and undercover journalism, was facilitated by leading online platform, the Premium Times.
A number of Maritime Reporters, Editors and Publishers were drilled on Data-Driven Journalism.
