NAN-HE-7
Inauguration
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, April 27, 2017 (NAN) The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Thursday, inaugurated the Safety, Information and
Operations Centre in Apapa Port for prompt dissemination of information to port users toward achieving best practices.
Performing the inauguration, the Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Usman, said the centre was also established for the port community to operate round the clock.
According to her, the resuscitated electronic display information board at the ports’ entrance area is an extension of this centre.
“This will display relevant information to stakeholders, port users and the general public.
“The Customer Care Unit (CCU) is directly opposite the bill board of the Apapa port and will be handling complaints and suggestions concerning the ports.
‘’This is to facilitate provision of quality and timely services to customers.
“I want to reiterate our determination to make the ports competitive in line with international best practices.
“As stakeholders and port operators, we consider you as essential components needed to drive our vision, mission and core values, “Usman said.
Also speaking, Mrs Vicky Haastrup, President, Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), said that the inauguration of the centre would ensure that Nigerian ports were safe in doing business.
Haastrup commended the management of NPA for providing the platform and pledged terminal operators would support NPA in ensuring that the port industry operated in line with best
practices.
The Managing Director, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics (LADOL), Dr Amy Jadesimi, said that with the efforts of the present management of NPA,
Lagos ports would be the hub in West African region.
Jadesimi also said that Nigeria’s coastline would continue to improve from with the coming into existence of the centre.
“President Muhammadu Buhari said that the period of economic downturn should be an opportunity to improve on our processes and services.
“What we are participating in today shows that NPA is taking us back home, having used this economic downturn to work hard and make our port
operations ongoing for 24 hours.
“This will improve importation and exportation of goods which will enable the maritime sector to contribute more foreign currencies into our
economy than the oil and gas sector.
“Please rely on us and we will keep supporting you, “Jadesimi said.
Mr Olumide Fakanlu, Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Apapa Chapter, also commended the
management of NPA, saying that the inauguration of the centre had made him proud.
Fakanlu also said that the project would enhance the productivity of customs agents.
He urged other operators to utilise the facility to improve their operations.
Mr Fred Adjuzi, the Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Apapa Chapter, said he would inform his members that NPA had improved its facilities.
The Managing Director, Ports and Terminal Operators Nigeria Ltd., Mrs Lilian Ovbude, also commended the management of NPA.
Ovbude urged managers of other ports to emulate the innovation by Apapa port and advised NPA not to make the facility dormant.
She commended the Port Manager, Apapa Complex, Mrs Aisha Ali-Ibrahim, for bringing an idea that would assist ports users.
She urged stakeholders to partner with NPA in using the facility adding that this would enable port users to achieve best practices.
The Managing Director, PIL Nigeria Ltd., Mr Jack Langrishe, praised NPA for establishing the information centre at the port.
Langrishe said that centre would assist shipping companies to achieve more success in implementing the mega shipping regime. (NAN)
AIC/AJA/DUA
Edited by Dada Ahmed