Reps Appeal For Port Operators Cooperation In Economic Diversification

The House of Representatives has appealed to port operators in Nigeria to cooperate with the country in its economic diversification move.

The chairman House Committee on Ports and Harbours, Mr Nnolim Nnaji, made the call at an interactive session with all Terminal Operators and Nigeria Ports Authority Licensed Agents, held in Abuja.

He said that the committee’s interactive session was very crucial because of the invaluable role the sector plays in Nigeria’s economy.

“It therefore presents us with an urgent need to effect changes that will restructure this unique and high-tech sector and position it to strategically compete in the global space. This sector is very dynamic and we must constantly review the standards, facilities and operational guidelines to keep pace with its obtainable global best practices. I wish to reiterate the committee’s commitment in ensuring that the sector remains one of the best through appropriate legislation and oversight in order to bequeath to Nigerians ports and harbours that are properly regulated and better managed for greater efficiency” Mr Nnaji said.

He also said that it was important to harmoniously promote the objectives of professionalizing the modus operandi of the sector to improve Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product and revenue generation.

“We intend to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in the industry to ensure that appropriate avenues are created for its economic development and then make it a hub for better non-oil revenue generation. It is imperative to note that the House of Representatives will continue to support total rehabilitation and upgrading of our Ports and Harbours and allied services. We shall ever be ready to provide the necessary legislation and needed oversight to achieve this purpose” he said.

Mr Nnaji pointed out that the crux of this meeting was to provide the interface for members of the committee to interact with stakeholders in the industry, most especially Terminal Operators and NPA licensed agents regarding their operations and various activities in the Ports and also create the enabling environment and synergy towards achieving the goals of the Federal Government in the Maritime sector, as well as aligning the sector with its contemporary demands, developmental goals, international standards and best practices.

“It is pertinent to note that the committee’s role is not only to oversee the NPA but also to partner with stakeholders in the sector to achieve maximum success taking cognizance of government’s quest in increasing revenue generation, port decongestion and boosting infrastructural development for effective service delivery. Thus, we must be committed to transparency, collaboration and open dialogue with all stakeholders to enhance ease of doing business” Nnaji said.

The lawmaker enjoined the stakeholders to bring their exclusive viewpoints and experiences on board as they will be invaluable in the shaping policies and recommendations of the committee.

Digitalization of operations

While briefing the committee, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, Mrs Urunta Chinyere, told the committee that there was a need for the digitalization of the operations of the agents.

She said that if the operators can adopt the model, it would enhance revenue generation.

“We observed that most of the terminal operators are doing partial implementation of what we asked for. They are not fully complying with what they are supposed to do” Mrs Chinyere said.

In his response, the Managing Director of Five Star Logistics, Mr Rigor Nazzari, said that his agency has fully complied with all the models.

He said that there are operator-specific issues at the terminals that need to be addressed by the council.

Concluding, the committee chairman called on the terminal operators to comply with the council and upgrade their systems.

Emmanuel Ukoh