By Aisha Cole
Lagos – The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) operates a uniform tariff and there is no tariff differential at the ports, Mr Abubakar Umar, Manager, Rivers Port Complex, has said.
Receiving officials of the Maritime Energy and Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MEMPON) in Port Harcourt, Umar said that Rivers Port was ready to receive as many vessels as possible.
According to a statement by Effiong Uduonofit, NPA spokesman, Umar said that the strategic location of Rivers Port near the hub of business at Aba and Onitsha gave it an edge over others.
He urged importers to take advantage of the port by bringing their cargoes, adding that the non-congestion of its terminals made it easy for vessels to berth.
According to him, the management is partnering with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture to ensure that the port received a boost.
Umar commended the efforts of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in safeguarding the waterways.
According to him, the channels are safe, thereby increasing the number of vessels calling weekly.
The port manager also commended its two terminal operators – Ports and Terminal Operators (Nigeria) Ltd. and BUA Ports and Terminal – for their efforts at marketing the port.
He, however, said that the port needed total rehabilitation, continuous maintenance and dredging to enable it receive more vessels as well as more tug boats and new pilot cutters.
Earlier, Ralph John, President of MEMPON, said there had been a remarkable improvement in the activities of the Rivers Port since Umar’s assumption of office.
He said that MEMPON would always be ready to synergise with the port management to boost activities.
John commended the level of security at the port and urged the Federal Government to take steps in ensuring the provision of facilities for better output.
