The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Malam Habib Abdullahi has recently identified efficient port services and upsurge in cargo throughput in the nation’s seaports as some of the positive impact of the Public Private Partnership (PPP) in the nation’s ports.
He also identified a reduction in cargo dwell time in ports operations, improved vessel turnaround time as well as the availability of deeper and safer navigation channels as other positive impact of the PPP in the nation’s seaports.
Malam Abdullahi was speaking while presenting a paper entitled “The Public Private Partnership & Port Efficiency: The Nigerian Experience” at the just concluded 12th International Africa Conference & Exhibition held in Lagos.
The Managing Director who dwelled extensively on the PPP in the nation’s port operation reiterated that the PPP in practises in the sector has brought about improved port infrastructure through the rehabilitation, and upgrading of port operation technologies and the development of greenfield.
The Managing Director who identified a number of investment opportunities derivable from the nation’s seaports, as a result of the PPP, pointed out that such opportunities are in the areas of Channel Management, Pilotage and Towage Services and Independent Power Project.
He explained that other investment opportunities derivable from the nation’s seaports as a result of the PPP are in the areas of the Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and Greenfield Port Developments.
Malam Abdullahi opined that increased participation of the private sector has been a key ingredient in improving the fortunes of Nigerian Ports, adding that several areas still exist in the nation’s seaports that are open to further private sector participation, especially in the greenfield deep seaport developments.
Earlier the Minister of Transport Senator Idris A. Umar had told the conference that the Maritime Sector remains a key sector of the economy whose enormous potential deserves continuous harnessing.
He said over the year the nation has been carrying out a number of reform measures aimed at enhancing the operational efficiency in the various ports and assured participants of the forum of the Federal Government’s unflinching focus to provide the enabling environment for massive private sector investments in the deepening and developing of the nation’s maritime sector.
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Press Release, April 25, 2014