The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has restated its commitment to becoming the leading port in Africa.
The Managing Director/CEO of NPA, Malam Mohammed Bello-Koko, made the commitment at the ongoing Enugu International Trade Fair’s “NPA Special Day.”
He urged the country’s trade development partners to work together to achieve this goal.
”We will strive to be the leading port in Africa, a dream we can all realize with the collective commitment of trade development partners to which the Enugu Chamber of Commerce belongs.
”The Nigerian maritime industry is a prime economic driver, bearing in mind that 85 percent of economic activities are delivered through ports worldwide.
“Maritime transport remains the gateway to the global marketplace. Ports are catalysts for economic development as they enable trade and support supply chains,” he said.
Bello-Koko stated that NPA, a national brand asset based on service excellence, is always happy to participate in events that promote trade facilitation and economic development in our country, particularly those that highlight the potential of our industrial sector and expand opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.
The NPA managing director said that the Onne Port Complex and Rivers Port Terminal provide exporters with the adequate infrastructure needed to carry out their transactions within a given time frame.
He said that the country was doing this to promote the export of more made-in-Nigeria goods and non-oil exports.
“We will continually give priority to the exportation of agricultural produce and solid mineral resources and goods, which will in turn enhance export and foreign exchange earnings.
“Furthermore, it should also be mentioned that rail lines into the ports are being constructed and rehabilitated to ensure ease in the logistic chain,” Bello-Koko said.
Speaking on the occasion, the President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ECCIMA), Chief Odeiga Jideonwo, commended the NPA for the strategic role and commitment of the parastatal as well as the central role they play in the socio-economic lives of the people.
“This is particularly important in the development and facilitation of commerce and industry, especially in the maritime sub-sector of the transport industry.
“We are proud of your sustained presence in our fairs all these years and urge you to continue to keep faith with us as we work together to build a more prosperous economy for our dear nation, Nigeria,” Jideonwo said.
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