Rivers Port Ready for Growth as Infrastructure Upgrades, Digital Reforms Boost Operations – Manager, Okezie
The Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Rivers Port Complex, Mrs. Kenechi Okezie, has said sustained infrastructure rehabilitation, digital transformation and stronger collaboration among maritime stakeholders are positioning the Eastern ports for increased cargo traffic and investment.
In this interview with visiting members of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), Okezie speaks on stakeholder relations, the implementation of the Port Community System, ongoing rehabilitation projects, security improvements on Nigeria’s waterways, and incentives designed to attract more general cargo business to Rivers Port. She also expresses confidence that the Eastern ports will soon witness renewed commercial activity as government continues to invest in their modernisation.
Q. What are the challenges the port management has faced with stakeholders?
A. As I always preach, collaboration is key and there is no system that we wouldn’t have diverse opinions or ways of reasoning. If I would say challenges with stakeholders, they would be very cognitive. I mean, the customs, the Navy, the Port Health and there is no challenge we encounter that we don’t resolve amicably. So, I wouldn’t just say this is the problem, because as they come, we resolve them but if there is anyone that needs intervention, sure, we will let you know.
Q. How is River Port Management integrating and interfacing the port community system with other sister government agencies, even when they are domiciled under different umbrellas in terms of distribution to ministries.
A. The port community system is really ununderway and I know we have embarked on a series of sensitisations with our sister agencies, even within the port community. I think we have also gone live. Initially, we’ve gone live and we have commenced. That’s why in the billing procedures we have right now, the agents are able to upload their documents and manifests online for everyone to see, which is the essence of the port community system as well as the interface we are talking about. For all agencies, all stakeholders to see it in real time and avoid or prevent paperwork, prevent delays, and all that.
The NPA is on it and we are working in progress and we will get there.
Q. What is the port management doing to make the eastern port attractive, especially as the majority of the goods cleared at the Lagos ports are destined for the South East market?
A. The Rivers Port Complex is a very old port, over 125 years old. So, the fact that, it’s not going to be said that some of the structures won’t be dilapidated, however, management has not ignored the eastern ports. As we speak right now, while they are trying to renovate and rehabilitate the Western ports, it’s the same for the Eastern ports.
As we speak, some of the berths in the Rivers Port right now are being reconstructed to make them stronger. The channels are being deepened to bring in bigger vessels. We know that we have the proximity to the market in the Eastern ports, which is why the government is not resting, they are making consistent efforts to ensure that the ports here are rehabilitated and are made very functional to enable these vessels to come directly here and save the cost of transporting these goods via the road.
I think the safety concerns are there. I must assure you that, don’t worry, very soon, the Eastern ports will start booming.
Q. Tell us the security update with the Eastern ports, especially piracy and sea robbery.
A. On the issue of security challenges, you mentioned piracy. I stand to be corrected, but I know in the past two years, piracy on our waterways has reduced. Out of the 36 that happened, I think, sometime last year or two years ago, only two or three were in our waterways. So far so good, we have done well.
We will not rest on our oars. We are still working to ensure total and absolute security on our watewaterways.
On the issue of safety of the ports, we have the ISPS code. Almost all our ports are on level one. That is to say that we are safe, investors are with us and are assured of safety, bringing their vessels into Nigerian waters. So, for safety issues, we are doing well, but we will do more and on the piracy issues, we will also do more.
Q.The Rivers Port handles a high volume of bulk cargo. Are there any measures in place to attract businesses involved in general cargo?
A. The management of NPA has already given incentives on general cargo. You mentioned bulk. We are high on bulk. We do a lot of bulk cargo but general cargo is not really something we do in Rivers Port.
So, for those bringing general cargo into Rivers port, they have been given incentives. Their rates are lower than those bringing in dry bulk.
So, I don’t want to mention that. So, they are on it and there are other incentives they can give. Sure. I will take this home and we will work on it.
One Comment