The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)

  • 24 ships discharging petroleum products, other commodities in Lagos

    Twenty four ships are presently discharging petroleum products and other commodities at the Apapa and Tin-Can Island Ports in Lagos, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said on Friday.

    NPA explained that the ships were discharging buck wheat, petrol, empty containers, general cargo, containers, soya beans, diesel, rice, crude palm olein, bulk fertiliser, bulk corn, bulk sugar and frozen fish.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 30 other ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive Lagos ports between March 30 and April 22.

    NPA said that the expected ships would bring base oil, general cargo, containers, diesel, empty container, bulk items which include palm olein, salt, fertiliser, gas, frozen fish, steel products, salt, and corn, empty container and petrol.

    According to the document, three ships have arrived the ports and are waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser and petrol.

     

  • Six ships arrive Lagos ports with petrol, other commodities

    Three ships laden with petrol  are waiting to berth in Lagos ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) shipping position report said on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the report as saying that  three other ships would berth with crude palmolein, diesel and bulk fertiliser.

    Twenty three ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are, however, expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from March 29 to April 22.

    NPA said that the expected ships are laden with  buck wheat, containers, base oil, bulk corn, bulk sugar, general cargoes, bulk fertiliser, soya bean, crude palmolein diesel and petrol.

    NAN reports that 20 other ships are at the ports discharging bulk fertilisers, buck wheat, empty containers, soya bean, bag rice, bulk sugar, base oil and diesel.

  • Ships laden with petroleum products, food items to arrive Lagos ports

    Ships laden with petroleum products, food items to arrive Lagos ports

    Twenty four ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from March 14 to March 25.

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its publication – `Shipping Position’, – a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    NAN reports that seven of the expected ships would berth with petrol.

    NPA said that the remaining 17 ships contained buck wheat, general cargoes, steel products, diesel, crude palm olein, soya bulk corn, gypsum, empty containers and containers laden with goods.

    The document noted that seven ships had arrived the ports, waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser, crude palm olein and petrol.

    NAN reports that 19 other ships are at the ports discharging empty containers, bulk wheat, containers, steel products, bulk fertiliser, soya bean, soda ash, bulk sugar, containers and petrol.

  • 31 ships laden with petroleum products, food items, to arrive Lagos ports

    Thirty one ships laden with petroleum products, food items and other goods are expected to arrive Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports in Lagos from March 7 to March 19.

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) stated this in its publication –  ‘Shipping Position’, – a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

    Six of the expected ships would berth with petrol and diesel.

    NPA said that the remaining 25 ships contained buck wheat, general cargoes, bulk sugar, steel products, bulk salt, gypsum, base oil, crude palm olein, frozen fish, soya beans ethanol, empty containers and containers laden with goods.

    The document noted that eight ships had arrived the ports, waiting to berth with bulk fertiliser, buck wheat, diesel and petrol.

    21 other ships are at the ports discharging empty containers, bulk wheat, containers, yellow maize, steel products, bulk fertiliser, gypsum, soya bean, bulk sugar, containers, ethanol and petrol.

     

  • Group kicks against transfer of containers to Ikorodu terminal

    The President, Nigerian Importers Integrity Association (NIIA), Mr Godwin Onyekazi, has kicked against the planned transfer of long-standing (overtime) containers to off-dock facilities, especially the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal (IKLT) in Lagos.

    Onyekazi spoke on Monday against the backdrop of clamour by some clearing agents at Ikorodu for the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to transfer overtime containers from the main port to the terminal

    He said that the nation’s seaports were operating well below capacity and government should not transfer overtime containers to Ikorodu.

    The importer said such transfer was unnecessary due to the “ample space in the main ports’’.

    “Congestion in the terminals has always been cited as the reason for transfer of containers but the present economic downturn has resulted in less than 40 per cent yard occupancy for most terminal operators.

    “Effectively undermining the reason to transfer overtime cargo to Ikorodu,” he said.

    Onyekazi said the maritime sector suffered a “huge blow’’ in 2016 with ever increasing foreign exchange rates and a sharp decline in cargo volume.

    According to him, businesses, banks and social institutions surrounding the ports have closed down as an extension of the reduction in business faced by the ports.

    “A recent statement by the Senate in November 2016 highlighted the fact that the containers already transferred to the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal have been abandoned with goods worth billions of naira rotting away daily.

    “Alluding to the fact that inadequate maintenance measures exist for the containers there.

    “Therefore, moving even more containers will result in a sharper decline in the condition of the containers and cargo and lead to wastage.’’

    Onyekazi said that moving overtime containers could also be seen as a means of boycotting terminal operational procedures as owners of the containers would avoid paying their accrued charges.

    He said the owners of the containers would rather intercept or obtain their cargo at reduced rate or at no cost at all.

    According to him, this is one way of encouraging importers to abandon their cargo at the ports with the aim of facilitating movement to Ikorodu in order to avoid charges.

    “This undermines the integrity of terminal operators’ authority and processes, leading to complete loss of revenue to terminal operators despite handling costs incurred and fulfilled financial obligations to the government over the years,’’ Onyekazi said.

    He said the bid to transfer overtime cargo to Ikorodu Lighter Terminal would only result in huge additional cost burden to government.

    “Given that the cost of logistics of moving the containers from various terminals to Ikorodu will be borne by the Nigerian Ports Authority.’’

    “This move will result in additional handling of containers which comes with increased cost of doing business for terminal operators; as well as likely claims from damages from handling during such a transfer.

    “There exists also the risk of loss of cargo to the importer due to allegation of diversion of cargo in transit from previous transfers and pilfering due to insecurity at Ikorodu terminal.

    “The extra cost to be incurred to carry out the transfer can be avoided, especially in times like these when all sectors should be focused on saving and not wasting public funds.

    “Combined with the recession, this move will only serve to compound the woes of the already suffering maritime sector; it will not bring additional business or progress whatsoever,” he said.

    Onyekazi said that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) was more certain of collecting appropriate import duties on the containers.

  • Apapa gridlock killing trade facilitation programme – NPA

    The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Usman, said the traffic gridlock in Apapa had affected access into the ports and killing trade facilitation programme of government.

    According to a statement by NPA on Monday in Lagos, Usman said this at a stakeholders meeting held in her office.

    She said that the bad access roads into Apapa was killing the trade facilitation programme of the government and had affected the smooth delivery of cargoes to importers.

    “NPA is not happy that all modalities and measures adopted so far have not translated into quick cargo movement in and out of the ports,” the News Agency of Nigeria  (NAN)  quotes the managing director as saying.

    She told the stakeholders that a positive action would be taken by the NPA in the interest of all and the economy.

    Usman told the stakeholders that “the quick rehabilitation of the road remains a priority to her team to reposition the ports and salvage the economy’’.

    She received the report on traffic decongestion of Apapa and its environs.

    The managing director appealed to Messrs Dangote Construction Nig. Ltd and the Management of Flour Mills Nig Ltd. to expedite action toward an early reconstruction of Wharf Road.

    Usman also appealed to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and members of the National Assembly to include the reconstruction of Creek Road linking Tin-Can Island Port in the 2017 budget.

    She said the minister and the lawmakers should help to see to the quick completion of the trailer park opposite the Tin-Can Port to keep the trucks away from the road.

    Usman also called for synergy between the Federal and State Governments as well as the stakeholders to find a permanent solution to the perennial gridlock on the road.

    She urged port users to always subject themselves to security checks at the gates leading to the ports and warned that unauthorised persons intruding into the ports should stop or face sanctions.

    The managing director said that NPA would soon introduce measures that would make it impossible for those without genuine business to access the ports.

    Usman said NPA would continue to hold meetings with stakeholders to workout modalities on measures to be adopted to resolve the gridlock in the interest of all stakeholders and the nation’s economy.

    She said the Federal Government was determined to find a lasting solution to the chaotic traffic situation along Apapa axis.

    Usman said that efforts were being made by the Federal Government and the NPA to improve and sustain efficient road transport network within and around the ports.

    The managing director said that government would promote trade, improve cargo delivery and boost the economy.

    In another development, the Commandant, 9th Infantry Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Sani Mohammed has appealed to the managing director to visit the widows of the soldiers of the Brigade, who lost their lives in the on-going Nigerian military’s counter insurgency campaign in the North Eastern part of the country.

    Mohammed made the plea during a courtesy visit to the NPA managing director’s office in Lagos.

    He said there should be a visit by the NPA boss to see the widows to use her advocacy work to better the lots of the widows, whom their breadwinners died fighting to conquer the insurgents.

    “Considering all she did with the BringBackOurGirls Campaign, we would want her to come and see our widows and employ her advocacy initiative to better their lots,’’ Mohammed said.

    “I know the managing director when she was fighting for the abducted Chibok girls. Considering all she did with the BringBackOurGirls, we want her to come and see our widows,’’ he said.

    Mohammed said that the Brigade, having taken part in all Nigeria’s military campaigns at home and abroad, was also part of the security apparatus in Lagos tagged: ‘Operation Mensa’.

    He said that the Brigade was extending its hand of fellowship and relationship to the ports authority with a view to exploring ways it could add value to the security of the Nigerian ports industry.

    Responding, Usman, who was represented at the event by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr Sokonte Davies, said the advocacy works of the managing director, was a passion which she inherited from her parents.

    “The managing director’s advocacy works were not what she just learnt but what she saw her father doing, so it is in her.

    “I believe that she will really find time to visit the widows of the soldiers, who lost their lives in the counter-insurgency campaign,’’ Davies said.

     

  • NPA, BudgIT, sign MoU on budget implementation

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with BudgIT Information Technology Network to open up its budget for the public.

    The General Manager, Public Affairs, Chief Michael Ajayi, in a statement on Monday in Lagos, said the MoU would promote transparency and accountability.

    The Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Usman, said the partnership became necessary for the development of an open budget system platform and implementation of a public data dissemination programme.

    She said that this would help the organisation in blocking revenue leakages.

    Usman said the MoU would provide Nigerians with all the necessary information during implementation of the NPA’s budget.
    .
    She said BudgIT had achieved feats in socio-technological advocacy toward opening up of public budgets for citizens’ comprehension.

    Usman said with the MoU, NPA would be able to deliver its mandate and create more wealth for Nigerians.

    She said that the MoU would also assist NPA as a critical organ in the economic artery of the nation to promote effective and efficient management of all its terminals across the country.

    The managing director said the partnership, apart from promoting transparency in public expenditure, would also instil a framework for transparent budget provisions for the authority.

    She said the MoU would allow stakeholders to add their inputs, “encourage participatory governance by way of feedback and creates an enabling environment to encourage foreign investment’’.

    “The collaboration will ensure that key research, industry policies and innovations are effectively communicated.

    “It will also ensure that critical data are generated and made accessible for policy makers, private sector actors, stakeholders and the general public,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes Usman as saying.

    The Lead Partner of BudgIT, Mr Oluseun Onigbinde, said NPA was the first revenue generating government agency to make its budget public.

    He said the Management of the NPA would not regret keying into the programme.

    Onigbinde said the collaboration, apart from promoting probity, transparency and accountability, would also restore government and public confidence in the Management of NPA.

     

  • FG inaugurates governing board of NPA, NIMASA

    FG inaugurates governing board of NPA, NIMASA

    The Federal Government has inaugurated the governing board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Nigerians Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    The government during the inauguration charged members of the board to contribute meaningfully towards achieving the set mandate of both agencies.

    The NIMASA board has 11 members and has as its chairman, Maj. Gen. Jonathan India Garba, and S.U Galadanchi, Ms. Nene Betty Dike, Rear Admiral Adeniyi Osinowo, Dakuku Peterside, Bashir Yusuf Jamoh, Joseph Oluwarotimi Fashakin, Gambo Ahmed, Asekomhe Otaakhia Keneth, Mohammed Gidado Mu’azu and Barrister Ebele Obi  as members.

    The NPA governing board which comprises of eleven members will be chaired by Mr. Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye.

    Other members of the board are: Mrs. Uche Okoro, Hadiza Bala Usman, Mohammed Bello Koko, Dr. Sekonte Davis, Prof. Idris Abubakar, Supo Shasore, Sueliman Ibrahim Halilu, Constance Harry Marshal, Umar Shua’ibu and Charles Efe Emukowhate Sylvester.

    Charging the board member, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi in Abuja yesterday said: “The appointment was approved by  President Buhari and we believe that with this board, NIMASA can achieve its core mandate of promoting the development of indigenous commercial shipping capacity in international and coastal shipping trade and also regulate and promote maritime safety, security, marine pollution and maritime labour through fleet acquisition and expansion, manpower development,  interagency collaboration, maritime safety and security and ship registration amongst others.

    As for the NPA, Amaechi said: “the mandate of the NPA is to construct develop ports, docks, harbours, piers, wharves, canals, water courses, embankment, revetment and jetties.

    He also added that they can invest and deal with monies of the Authority not immediately required on such securities or in such investment and manner as may, from time to time be expedient and also appoint, license and manage pilots of vessels.
  • Two held for ‘attack’ at Tin Can Island

    Two held for ‘attack’ at Tin Can Island

    The police have arrested two men, Ayinde Kasali and Nojeem Adunfe, for allegedly being part of a gang that attacked the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) premises at Tin Can Island last July.

    Kasali and Adunfe, of the Apapa area of Lagos, were apprehended following police investigation into a petition by NARTO alleging that unknown armed men had attempted to sack its members from the land.

    According to the petition dated July 15, NARTO said the land was allocated to it by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in September 2003.

    The suspects were arraigned Monday by the Force Headquarters Annex, Obalende, Lagos before Mrs O. Kusanu.

    They are standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, armed forcible entry and threat to life.

    Prosecuting Corporal Chinedu Njoku told the court that the offences occurred at Port Novo Creek, Tin Can Island, in early July.

    “The defendants and others at large, while armed with cutlasses, iron rods and other dangerous weapons and in a manner likely to cause breach of peace, forcibly entered land that was in the actual and peaceable possession of NARTO,” Njoku said.

    He alleged that they did so ‘with an intent to commit felony.’

    The offences, he added, contravened Sections 409, 310(f) and 52 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

    The defendants denied the charge.

    Magistrate Kusanu granted them N50, 000 bail with two sureties in the like sum and adjourned till October 18.

  • NPA insists on dollarisation of port transactions

    The Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Friday insisted on dollarisation of transactions and urged terminal operators to pay up to date.

    The Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Usman, stated this at a Stakeholders meeting in Lagos to round off her two-day tour of the Western ports in Lagos.

    She said that the dollar regime had been in operation before she assumed office in July and would still remain until a change is considered.

    “I know these are trying times for everybody but as partners, NPA relies on you to meet its statutory and corporate obligations.

    “From inception in 2006, the concession terms of payment is in dollar and it will amount to subversion of norms to change the goal post mid-way.

    “I feel for you, knowing the difficulty in garnering forex with the turbulent dollar to naira regime,’’ the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) quotes Usman as saying.

    She urged stakeholders to think out of the box and ensure that the Federal Government royalties were paid as and when due to avoid sanctions.

    Some of the stakeholders, who appealed for a downward review of the tariff regime demanded that they should be considered to pay in naira.

    They further asked that NPA should make it a priority to ensure security within and around the ports, the water fronts and provision of facilities.

    The General Manager, Eko Support Services Lt., Mr Sani Edu, said that with the current tariff regime, Nigerian ports were not competitive.

    “In comparism to other ports in the West African sub-region, the Nigerian port is the most expensive.

    “That gives the neighbouring ports of Cotonou and Lome the edge because investors are free to choose where to invest their money,’’ NAN quotes Edu as saying.

    Mr Marshall Bombe of GMT Ltd, reminded the port management of the existing international shipping tariffs standard which also applied to Nigeria.

    “The volume of vessels sailing into Nigerian ports has declined from 30,000 to 10,000 in the recent past as a result of the unfavourable business environment,’’ Bombe said.

    Mr Pius Odobum of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) urged NPA to let the public know the status of Lilypond Terminal.

    According to him, freight forwarders whose cargoes were assigned to the terminal were having difficulties in clearing them as the place has become moribund.

    In her response to the plea, the NPA managing director said that her maiden recent tour of the ports had afforded her the opportunity of knowing the plights of operators.

    She said that henceforth the authority would liaise with other agencies at the ports for a Single Window operational pack to ease transactions.

    “This is the first time NPA is having a female managing director in 61 years and we intend to use the opportunity to improve the scheme of things,’’ Usman said.