The Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, A. G. Umar has stated that Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) operates a uniform tariff therefore debunking claims that tariff differentials scares customers away from Rivers Port.
This he said during a recent visit of Maritime Energy and Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MEMPON) led by the National President, Amb. (Dr.) Ralph John to his Basket House office on a courtesy visit.
According to him, Rivers Port was ready and open to receive as many vessels as possible as before stating that its strategic location near the hub of business as Aba and Onitsha gave it an edge over others.
He also said that because of the effectiveness of its two terminal operators; Ports and Terminal Operators (Nigeria) Limited and BUA Ports and Terminal who had made effort to market the port.
He therefore called on importers to utilize this advantage to bring it cargoes, also stating that the non-congestion of the terminals make it easy for vessels to be berthed when compared to other Ports.
Responding on efforts to boost business at the port, the Port Manager intimated the Journalists that his was partnering with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) to ensure that the port got boost in business.
On the issue of security, Mr. A. G. Umar revealed that the Port which was previously on security level two (2) was now on level one (1).
He therefore commended the efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in safeguarding the waterways which he said had made the channels safe thereby increasing number of vessels weekly.
Mr. Umar who stated earlier that Nigerian Ports Authority whose duty was to generate revenue for the Federal Government as other agencies would do much more if some of its challenges were addressed.
While conducting members of MEMPON round the facilities, he revealed that the Port needed a total rehabilitation, continuous maintenance and dredging to enable it receive more vessels as well as more tug boats and newer Pilot Cutters.
In his remarks, the President of MEMPON, Amb. Dr. Ralph John revealed that there had been a remarkable improvement in the activities of the Port since Umar’s assumed duty at Rivers Port.
He pledged that MEMPON would always be ready to synergize with the Port to its boost activities while commending the Port Manager on the level of security the Port had attained.
In the same vein, he urged the Federal Government to take steps at ensuring the provisions of facilities for better output.
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