... We're Not Resting On Our Oars In Developing Nation's Ports Infrastructure, Tin-can Major Focus - NPA
By Elizabeth Osayande
Harboursandport.com: Lagos - The newly elected president of the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere has noted that hosting a breakfast meeting on the collapsing quay apron at Tin Can island port was not to apportion blame but to seek measures to fixing the challenge faced by the ports, as well as port users.
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| Managing Director/CEO of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko. |
Speaking at the meeting which also doubles as the official inauguration of his administration, the Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority, Muhammed Bello-Koko, who was Guest speaker and the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime, as Special Guest, Bivbere explained that:'' The purpose of this meeting was not to find fault but for us to find solutions to the problems facing Tin Can island.
Earlier on during his opening speech, the MARAN president said that: “While it is expected out of habit that some people would be pointing accusing fingers at the Nigerian Ports Authority for allowing such critical facility to deteriorate to the point they are present, it must be said that being a government parastatal; it’s capital expenditure must have to pass through the procurement processes which takes a lot of time.
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| Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Barr. Emmanuel Jime. |
“I doubt if there is anybody here who is not familiar with our bureaucratic bottleneck. As stakeholders in the maritime sector, we all know that some capital projects in the industry do not have the luxury of time with regard to their execution.
"It is my considered view therefore, that given our circumstances, the Federal Government should become more representative and exempt the maintenance or replacement of critical facilities from the Civil Service procurement processes." Bivbere stated.
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Speaking on the theme: Rehabilitation of Tin Can Island Port: Proffering Workable Solutions," NPA boss, Koko represented by General Manager, MD's office, Mr. Ayo Durowaiye explained that the reconstruction of Tin-can Island port was a top priority for the administration.
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| President, Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, Godfrey Bivbere |
His words: “The reconstruction of Tin Can Island quay walls is top on the agenda because it is the Port requiring the most urgent intervention.
“As most of us are aware, owing to successive decades of neglect, the cost implication for fixing Port infrastructure deficit far outweighs the budgetary provision at our disposal.
“However, we have explored and identified sustainable Public Private Partnership funding options which we have put forward to the government for necessary approvals.
“I am glad to inform this distinguished gathering that we are at conclusive stages of discussion with local and international partners with the requisite financial and technical competence to fund the Tin Can Port reconstruction project.
Meanwhile, the ES, Nigerian Shippers Council, Hon. Jime, noted that there was a need to put ports in the country in order so that their operations will meet international standards.
"I want to thank the leadership of MARAN. There is no debate about the quality of infrastructure available in this industry. If we are going to be competitive and live up to our dream of becoming the maritime hub in West African subregion, we must focus squarely on development of infrastructure and make them of International standard. " the special guest noted.
Adding his voice to the improvement of Tin Can Island port and other ports in the country, a former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Barr. Temisan Omatseye, there was need to improve the security of the nation's waterways and help explore riverine routes .
According to Omatseye:" We have so much depended on Tin Can port that it has had major impacts in Lagos state. And the major reason for this dependence is due to insecurity.
" We need to find solutions to all these challenges as the impact of the challenges of Tin Can Island port has a spiral effect on the economy. So I will suggest we shut the gates of Apapa and Tin Can ports, including the Lekki deep port. We need to appreciate the riverine route. " former NIMASA boss explained.
For the chairman of the occasion, Head of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Centre, Dr. Eugene Nweke who praise MARAN for the forum called on the overhaul of ports in the country especially the Tin Can island.
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