The Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko represented by the Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Engr. Ibrahim Abba, has held a workshop in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to explore new ideas that will shape the future of the maritime sector and a shared approach to resolving challenges.
The decaying port infrastructure, he said, is largely due to the age of the ports, as some of the ports were built over a century ago.
He, however, highlighted the ambitious port modernization programme of the Authority to invest one billion dollars in fixing the quay walls and other decaying port infrastructure, particularly in TinCan, Apapa, Rivers, and Delta—this includes the submerged Escravos breakwater.
In the end, he encouraged the stakeholders to have an honest conversation that puts the maritime sector on its best footing and write their names in the sands of history.
The workshop was attended by the representatives of the Rivers State Governor, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Customs, NIMASA, Nigeria Shippers Council, Navy, Police, Immigration, and the DSS.
It also had in attendance the private sector participation of the NLNG, terminal operators, joint venture partners, shipping associations, freight forwarders, and a host of others. The deliberations will be analysed and incorporated into the master plan.
