The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under the leadership of Managing Director Mohammed Bello-Koko is set to implement a groundbreaking policy to address extortion and streamline operations amid surging haulage costs,
During the just concluded ministerial retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos, Bello-Koko proposed a reduction in the number of regulatory agencies operating in the port to a maximum of four.
This move aims to enhance efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles faced by shippers.
The Managing Director emphasized the urgency of the ambitious port modernization program, which targets the rehabilitation of deteriorating port infrastructure at key locations, including Tin Can, Apapa, Rivers, Onne, and Delta Ports within the next four years.
The NPA also envisions opening new opportunities with port developments in Badagry, Ibom, Ondo, and Bonny, signaling a strategic effort to bolster the country’s maritime capabilities.
To facilitate these transformative initiatives, the NPA is focusing on critical enablers for trade facilitation.
Bello-Koko underscored the importance of collaboration with other government agencies, such as Customs, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Federal Ministry of Works.
The proposed policy aims to limit the number of agencies operating in the port to four, fostering a more streamlined and efficient regulatory environment.
The NPA is concurrently working on strengthening blue governance and modernizing port operations through initiatives like the National Single Window, Port Community System, International Cargo Tracking Note, and Vessel Tracking System.
These efforts collectively aim to improve the sustainability of blue economy investments and position Nigerian ports competitively within the region.
