The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Port of Miami are collaborating as part of measures to boost export and facilitate trade.
Speaking during a visit to the Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman in Lagos, the United States International trade coordinator at the Department of Regulatory and Economy Resources (RER), Mr Desmond Alufohai and the Director, Government and International Relations (GIR) for Port of Miami, Ms Debra Owens, said their visit is intended to explore opportunities in mineral and agriculture.
They expressed readiness to assist in the development and modernisation of infrastructure at the nation’s sea ports.
The delegation also expressed their determination to partner the NPA in the area of compliance and efficient port system.
The group also pledged to assist the country to boost the economy by harnessing the immense opportunities in the exportation of farm produce and mineral resources to America.
A statement issued by NPA’s General Manager (Public Affairs) quoted Ms Usman as saying the Federal Government was desirous of a partnership with the port of Miami especially in the area of tourism.
Meanwhile, the Managing Director has pledged to boost the nation’s economy through the provision of infrastructure and up-to-date equipment at the Seaports.
Speaking at the Executive Business Networking Seminar organised by NIMPORT in Lagos, Ms Usman who was represented by the General Manager, Public Affairs, Chief Michael Kayode Ajayi said the government is making efforts to reposition the ports in line with global trends.
Ms Usman has therefore directed all terminal operators to invest more in up-to-date equipment that will make the nation’s sea ports competitive and efficient.
Growth in trade volumes, she said, is a strong factor in the need for port investment to boost efficiency, build robust, responsive and competitive port economy in tune with global best practices.
Development and upgrading existing port infrastructure as well as improvement in performance, she said, had become imperative.
NPA’s vision, Usman said, is to be the leading port in Africa.
NPA, she said, will review, in line global best practices, the agreement the terminal operators entered into with the Federal Government before the ports were concessioned to them in 2006.
In countries like North America, Europe and Asia Pacific, she said, growing container market has led to incremental upgrade of the existing port infrastructure with container handling automation already put in place to handle large carriers with up to 18,000 teu.
