NPA’s international award for transparency in ports operations excites VP Osinbajo, NPA MD, Bello-Koko

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)’s transparency agenda in its ports operations has earned the agency an international award.

A Switzerland-based Basel Institute has given NPA “Outstanding Achievement in Collective Action Award” for the management’s initiative in instituting  transparency in its operations.

Persecondnews reports that the international award was presented to Vice-President Yemi Osinbanjo (SAN) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday by Mr Olusoji Apampa, the Co-founder of NPA’s Civil Society partner, the Convention on Business Integrity (CBi).

In March 2022, the Managing Director/ CEO of NPA, Mr  Mohammed Bello-Koko had received members of the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN) led by Apampa, at the Authority’s head office in Marina, Lagos.

He reiterated the Authority’s commitment to complying fully with the standard operating procedures (SOPs) as stipulated in the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) which NPA funded to enhance operational excellence and service delivery at all Nigerian seaports and terminals.

Apampa, however, said at the presentation of the award that successes recorded are now attracting international reviews as countries such as Egypt, Ukraine and India are planning to adopt the “Nigerian miracle” model in their ports’ operations.

“The synergy among the agencies and CBi, through the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network (MACN), has significantly reduced the cost of a ship berthing in Nigeria – often aggravated by unreceipted extortions –  from 150,000 dollars per vessel that arrives in the country to about 20,000 dollars.

“This was made possible by the establishment and success recorded by the first ever, real-time Anti-Corruption Help Desk in Nigerian Ports, which instantly reports and resolves corruption-related issues,” he said.

Reacting to the international recognition and award, NPA’s CEO, Mohammed Bello-Koko, commended the CBi and MACN, saying the management’s commitment to transparency in its ports operations value-chain remains unshaken.

“Our commitment as management team at ensuring that transparency governs our entire port operations value-chain remains unwavering, and we will continue to enter into and nurture synergies in this regard”.