NPA Rivers port seeks more patronage from shippers in Aba, Onitsha

Worried by low capacity utilisation in Rivers port, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called on Aba and Onitsha based importers to consider bringing in their cargoes through the Rivers port as the authority has opened the port for more vessels to come in. 

Abubakar Garba Umar, port manager, Rivers Port Complex said during a recent visit of Maritime Energy and Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MEMPON) led by the national president, Ralph John, that the NPA operates a uniform tariff, therefore, debunking the claim that tariff differentials scares customers away from Rivers Port to others.

“Rivers Port is ready and open to receive as many vessels as possible and the port is strategically located near the hub of Aba and Onitsha business centres. The two terminal operators; Ports and Terminal Operators (Nigeria) Limited and BUA Ports and Terminal have been effective in service delivery, and they have also made effort to market the Port.

He therefore called on importers to utilise this advantage to bring in their cargoes. He added that the non-congestion of the terminals make it easy for vessels to berth when compared to other ports.

On efforts to boost business in the Port, the Port Manager said that NPA is partnering with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) to boost port business.

Umar, however, disclosed that the port which was previously on security level two is now on level one. He commended the efforts of NIMASA in safeguarding the waterways, which he said has made the channels safe thereby increasing number of vessel calls weekly.

“NPA, whose duty is to generate revenue for the Federal Government as other agencies, will do more if some of its challenges are addressed. The Port needs total rehabilitation; continuous maintenance dredging; more tug boats and newer Pilot Cutters to enable it receive more vessels.

Ralph John, the President of MEMPON revealed that there has been a remarkable improvement in the activities of the port since Umar’s assumption of office in Rivers Port.

He pledged that MEMPON will always synergise with the port to boost activities while commending the port manager on the level of security the port has attained. He urged the Federal Government to take steps in providing facilities for better output.

Uzoamaka Anagor-Ewuzie