The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, is set to introduce a Single Window Platform (SWP) that would capture all maritime agencies in a single portal, The Nation has learnt.
The aim is to reduce cost and cargo dwell time at ports.
Amaechi, it was gathered, has directed senior officials of the Ministry and its agencies to key into the introduction of a National Carrier, SWP and construction of Standard Gauge Railway line that will link the ports across the country to boost commerce and quick cargo movement.
A senior official of the ministry, who asked that his identity be veiled, told The Nation that Amaechi was not happy that lack of infrastructure is retarding the growth and development of the economy
“The Minister will address infrastructure deficit in the maritime sector to boost the economy. Amaechi believes that nothing happens by chance. He used to tell us that somebody, or group of people dreamt about what is happening now in Singapore and other major ports of the world some years ago, and that is why he is set to make sure we become the best in Africa.”
Amaechi, the official said, would soon create the appropriate legal and institutional framework that would promote Private-Public Partnership (PPP) to accelerate the necessary development of the ports.
“The Minister is seeking the support of everybody in the maritime sector because the sea port is the bedrock of the economy of many nations, he said, adding that Amaechi will address the infrastructure deficit at ports.
There is a great need to attend to the infrastructural deficit because it has greatlyaffected the economic growth and development of the ports, he stated..