NPA Boss Seeks Collaboration For Inter-modalism

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Hadiza Bala Usman has said a lot still needs to be done “particularly in synergising efforts and fine-tuning grey areas” in order to ensure continuous improvement in the nation’s intermodal freight transport and logistics value chain.”

The NPA boss stated this while presenting a paper titled, “Inter Model Freight Transport: Key to unfolding the potential of Nigerian Seaports for Speedy Economic Recovery and growth,” at the national conference on fast-tracking port reforms organised by The Nation Newspaper in Abuja.

She assured that the authority would continue to remain focused and determined to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve optimum efficiency and productivity in the nation’s ports,

Bala-Usman said the organisation had put in place several interventions and collaboration with various stakeholders on the critical role of inter-modal transport to unlock the potentials of the nation’s ports.

Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of the NPA, Mohammed Bello KoKo, she enumerated some notable benefits associated with Inter-Modal Freight Transport, especially in the areas of seamless transport as essential to shippers.

She pointed out that, “An economically efficient and environmentally sound intermodal transport, provides the basis for Nigeria to compete in the global economy and also will move people and goods in an efficient manner.”

She explained that the NPA management lay premium on the critical role of intermodal transport, “that is why it is collaborating with several stakeholders in the funding and rehabilitation of Apapa Port access roads, introduction of the rail links to the Lagos Ports of Apapa and Tin Can Island, establishment of several committees on ship turnaround time and cargo dwell time to proffer solutions for expedited ship and cargo receipt and evacuation from the ports as well as regular dialogue/interaction with Port Terminal Operators on ways to improve efficient and effective port operations.”