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Tag: NPA

  • NPA MD appoints 7 new port managers

    NPA MD appoints 7 new port managers

    Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, has appointed seven new Port Managers.

    The new appointments were announced through an internal memorandum signed by the Managing Director on Friday in Lagos

    “The new Port Managers are Adebowale Lawal Ibrahim (Lagos Port Complex, Apapa); Abubakar Sani Isa (Tin Can Island Port Complex); Abdulrahman Hussaini (Onne Port) and Sa’adu Dahiru Mohammed (Delta Port).

    “Others are Emmanuel Anda (Lekki Port); Kenneth Edith Okezie (Rivers Port) and Ekine Ibifri Alex (Calabar Port).

    “The former Port Managers namely Charles Okaga; Sylvester Egede; Teslim Bamidele Makanjuola; Olumati Ikechi Festus and Aliyu Abubakar have been transferred back to the NPA headquarters immediately,” Dantsoho said.

    This move marked the second major appointment made by Dantsoho since his assumption of office as NPA Managing Director in July.

    On July 29, 2024, Dantsoho had appointed his core team of aides who would work with him during his tenure.

  • Tinubu rejigs NPA, makes fresh appointments

    Tinubu rejigs NPA, makes fresh appointments

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Abubakar Dantsoho as the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to replace Mohammed Bello-Koko.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Bello-Koko was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2021 as acting MD and was confirmed in February 2022.

    According to a statement by Tinubu’s spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President also approved the appointment of Sen. Adedayo Adeyeye as Chairman of the Board of the NPA.

    “Dr Dantsoho holds a Doctorate degree in Maritime Technology from Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom, and a Master’s degree in International Transport from Cardiff University of Wales, United Kingdom.

    “Before his appointment, he had served in various roles in the Nigerian Ports Authority as Assistant General Manager; Technical Assistant to the Managing Director; Port Manager, Onne Port; and Principal Manager, Tariff & Billing.

    “Senator Adeyeye, the Board Chairman, is a seasoned lawyer, journalist, and politician,” said the statement.

    Adeyeye is a former Minister of State for Works and former senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District.

    “The President expects the new leadership of this pivotal agency to deploy excellence in the discharge of their duties to enable efficient port services and improved industry outcomes,” said the statement.

    TNG reports tenure of NPA MD is five years.

  • Workers threaten to shut ports over NPA revenue deduction

    Workers threaten to shut ports over NPA revenue deduction

    Maritime workers on Monday warned of a potential nationwide strike if the Federal  Government continues with the proposed 50 per cent automatic deduction from revenue accrued to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

    They made the threat in a statement jointly issued by the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) and Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) in Lagos.

    In the statement signed the two unions, President, SASCGOC, Mr Akinola Bodunde and President General, MWUN, Mr Adewale Adeyanju, the union said they had written a letter to the President regarding the development.

    The unions warned that failure to rescind the decision would lead to workers’ withdrawal and total shutdown of ports nationwide.

    Both unions insisted on a 30 per cent deduction from NPA’s revenue instead of 50 per cent.

    The unions said, “Automatic deduction of 50 per cent of its internally generated revenue shall leave the Authority financially incapacitated to discharge these responsibilities to the host community, which may lead them to resort to unhealthy activities.

    “We recommend that 30 per cent of the revenue internally generated by the Authority could be automatically deducted whilst 70 per cent is left for the Authority to accomplish its overhead costs and statutory responsibilities, failure of which the Union would have no other option than to withdraw the services of its members from all Ports formations nationwide.”

    The President of SASCGOC, Mr Akinola Bodunde, speaking on behave of the union, highlighted the severe financial implications of such a deduction on the operational capabilities of the NPA.

    Bodunde explained that with the NPA being a self-funded entity reliant on its IGR, a 50 per cent reduction would affect its operational capabilities.

    According to him, the reduction in revenue could jeopardise crucial maritime operations such as dredging port channels and maintaining infrastructure, ultimately affecting vessel traffic and port activities.

    He explained that workforce development and community relations are at risk due to the potential consequences of the proposed deduction.

    Also, the President General of MWUN, Mr Adewale Adeyanju, underlined the importance of a well-trained workforce for efficient port operations.

    Adeyanju expressed concerns that the reduction in revenue could hinder investment in employee training and welfare.

    He said that the union worries over the NPA’s ability to meet its obligations to host communities, saying that could be compromised, potentially leading to unrest and social upheaval.

    The MWUN president, thereafter, issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding a revisions of the directive to allow for a more reasonable deduction from internally generated revenue.

  • Tinubu makes fresh appointments in NPA, NIMASA [See names]

    Tinubu makes fresh appointments in NPA, NIMASA [See names]

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new Executive Directors in two agencies under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

    A statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, on Thursday in Abuja, said the appointments are in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    The new appointees of the NPA are Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet- Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Olalekan Badmus- Executive Director, Marine and Operations and Ibrahim Abba Umar- Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services.

    The new appointees in NIMASA are Mr Jibril Abba- Executive Director, Maritime Labour, and Cabotage Services, Mr Chudi Offodile- Executive Director, Finance and Administration and Fatai Taye Adeyemi- Executive Director, Operations.

    ”The President approves these appointments with the firm belief, after studying their impressive profiles, that the new appointees will expeditiously and efficiently execute on their collective mandate to create the conditions required to significantly raise the contribution of the Marine and Blue Economy sector to the nation’s GDP.

    ”(And also) evolving the Nigerian economy into a labour-intensive and inclusive one that creates new opportunities for all Nigerians in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda, under the able guidance of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola,” he said.

  • 18 ships with assorted goods to berth at Lagos ports – NPA

    18 ships with assorted goods to berth at Lagos ports – NPA

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Friday said 18 ships conveying assorted goods were expected at Lagos ports from Friday to Nov. 26.

    It listed the expected items as bulk sugar, bulk wheat, general cargo, base oil, petrol, bulk clinker, propane gas and containers.

    The NPA also stated that 14 ships were already discharging general cargo, petrol, container, bulk sugar, frozen fish, butane gas, bulk sugar and bulk wheat.

    The authority added that five ships had arrived at the port and were waiting to berth with bulk wheat, bulk fertilizer, butane gas and automobile gasoline.

  • NPA sets 2024 deadline for $1.1bn ports rehabilitation plan

    NPA sets 2024 deadline for $1.1bn ports rehabilitation plan

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says its embarking on a $1.1 billion ports rehabilitation plan in first quarter of 2024, to fortify Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

    The Managing Director, NPA, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, said this in a panel session at the 43rd Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) conference held on Tuesday in Lagos.

    According to Bello-Koko, almost every port in Nigeria requires rehabilitation while NPA is initiating a substantial overhaul for all ports, starting with the TinCan and Apapa ports in Lagos.

    “The objective of the authority is to enhance the physical infrastructure of these ports to accommodate vessels of all sizes and increase the draft at the quay side.

    “Increasing the draft is with the aim of achieving draft depths of up to 14 meters and this initiative will render Nigerian ports more competitive on a global scale,” he said.

    Bello-Koko further stated that the NPA was also strengthening collaborations with the private sector to establish new seaports.

    Notably, he said, the Lekki Deep Seaport had already commenced operations, and the Badagry Deep Seaport recently signed an agreement with a Middle-Eastern party, with construction scheduled to commence early next year.

    The NPA managing director noted that these endeavors exemplify the NPA’s determination to create a multimodal transportation system connecting all ports seamlessly.

    On the inefficiencies associated with road-dependence in cargo evacuation, he said the NPA was actively working on alternative initiatives like barges and expanding rail infrastructure.

    He informed that the rail line had reached Apapa port and would soon extend to TinCan port.

    “The survey for deploying cargo rail and tracks to Onne port has been completed, setting the stage for the project to kick off next year,” he said.

    To streamline operations and reduce costs, Bello-Koko said NPA was embracing automation in its operations.

    “The authority has automated its collection system and is collaborating with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to introduce a state-of-the-art port community system, poised to optimise cargo clearance processes.

    “The authority is working on clarifying the responsibilities of government agencies within the ports with the newly developed port process manual aimed at reducing overlaps and eliminating duplication of duties,” he said.

    The NPA boss noted that the deployment of the “Deep Blue Sea” project, equipped with air and sea assets, would enhance security in the Gulf of Guinea and contribute significantly in reducing incidence of piracy within Nigerian waters.

    He said that the NPA was collaborating closely with the Nigerian Customs to reduce bottlenecks and cut the cost of doing business within the ports.

    “There will be development of a 25-year port master plan that will guide the location, sizes, and activities of ports, terminals, and jetties in Nigeria.

    “The master plan will serve as a national working document, uniting all stakeholders towards marine and logistics development.” Bello-Koko said.

    Also speaking, Mr Martin Boguikouma, President, PMAWCA, urged African countries to address challenges facing the region to be able to receive the new volume of traffic that would emerge due to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

    Boguikouma listed ways to solve the challenges, adding that the solution included collaboration between customs and port authority to harmonise customs procedure.

    “We need to ensure capacity building of all seaports and customs officials, sensitise them on how to address cross border trade.

    “There is need to work on reducing transport cost, investing in efficient transport infrastructure, maritime safety through enhanced interstate cooperation,” he said.

    He noted that in Gabon, they had put in place things that would ensure that free trade became a success.

    The PMAWCA president said that signing a Memorandum of Understanding on trade facilitation, harmonised customs duty, which was very important for the AfCFTA, could aid in making free trade successful.

    “We have put in place a National Commission for Trade Facilitation and the commission has three modules which are operationalisation of trade standard, adoption of roadmap for trade facilitation and a regulatory framework,” he said.

  • NGO raises alarm over new storage charges at Nigerian ports

    NGO raises alarm over new storage charges at Nigerian ports

    The Anti Corruption Initiative (T-PACI) has raised concerns about the negative impact of the new storage charges at Nigerian ports on the country’s economy.

    The President of the organisation, Mr Stephen Ibe, at a news conference in Lagos on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government through the port regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), to look into the matter.

    Ibe highlighted a significant increase in storage charges, with a 350 per cent jump in the cost of a 40 feet container per day from N15,000 to N100,000 in port terminals.

    Ibe noted that this steep increase places a burden on Nigerians and could have adverse effects on the populace.

    Ibe also criticised the practice of stacking additional containers on top of a forty-footer container, for which each incurs a separate N100,000 charge.

    He emphasised that any attempt by terminal operators to further increase storage charges should not be tolerated.

    According to him, Nigerians should rely on the law and due process to ensure that corruption is not enabled within the port.

    “We are strongly against the sudden surge in increase of storage charges in the port and we describe this act as fraudulent and a corrupt practice being perpetuated by the terminal operators.

    “T-PACI is not saying that port concession Aries should not increase the port charges, but before such increment is effected, due consultation with relevant stakeholders should be done.

    “The issue of storage/rent charges should be a no go area. We all know that when the Nigerian Ports Authority was in charge, the final period of storage charge was not up to N1,500.

    “However, since the commencement of the current ports concessionaires took over, they have effected incessant increase in port charges almost everyday till the point we have now,” he said.

    Ibe called for the concessionaires to remove obstacles that hinder the timely clearance of cargo at the port.

    Also speaking, Mr Humphrey Okwuosa, the National Public Relations Officer of the organisation, pointed out that some of the duties paid at the port contravene the rules set by the World Customs Organisation and the World Trade Organisation.

    He stressed the need for adherence to transaction value and highlighted that current practices could lead to inflation in the country.

    “The one that baffles one is the maritime police alert which is done randomly. We should know that this hinders trade and should be checked,” he said.

    He added that the Nigerian factor in the port should be addressed, as whatever was happening now would lead to inflation in the country.

    The organisations PRO also urged the National Assembly members in charge of the oversight function in the port to rise up to address the issue at the port bfore it gets out of hand.

    A member, Capt. Isa Bawa, a member of the organisation, emphasised the necessity of providing additional equipment to facilitate the smooth evacuation of cargo at the port.

    Bawa said that despite having the capability to scan up to 500 containers per day, only 300 containers were currently being processed due to a shortage of vehicles.

    Other members present at the conference were Mr Joseph Ezeali, National Secretary, Eke Okogbue and others.

    Terminal operators in the Lagos port on Oct. 16 increased their storage charge due to high cost of operations.

  • Ridiculous auction: More trouble for NPA officials as Reps probe continues Monday

    Ridiculous auction: More trouble for NPA officials as Reps probe continues Monday

    The ongoing probe by an ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives may spell doom for officials of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) led by Mohammed Bello-Koko.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the House of Representatives is probing what it regards as illegal auctioning of federal government properties by the ports authority.

    Twice, Bello-Koko, Managing Director of NPA, had snubbed the ad hoc committee investigating the agency’s ridiculous disposal of public property between 2010 and 2022.

    However, the NPA Managing Director has been given another opportunity to appear before the committee to provide answers to questions.

    How NPA sold 45 million items at N1 each, collected N45m after sales

    TNG reports that documents before the ad hoc committee indicated that the NPA sold 45 million items at the Apapa Port, Lagos in 2022 at N1 each, thereby collecting N45 million after the sales.

    The NPA also sold 10,800,700 other items at its Apapa Dockyard in 2021 also at the rate of N1 each, netting N10.800 million in the process.

    The documents further showed that NPA sold 20 million scrap metals at the Kirikiri Terminal II, Apapa, at N1 each, thereby netting N20 million also.

    Overall, the committee of the House of Representatives is quizzing the ports authority over the sale of 16 vessels for N156.24 million in 2019.

    At the last sitting of the committee, it became evident that among the vessels were ML Pategi sold at N3.2 million; ML Misau sold at N1.06 million; PB Kabba sold at N5.4 million; SPB 3 sold at N54,000; and PC Shelleng sold at N48,000.

    Documents before the House of Representatives committee also showed that NPA sold exotic vehicles like Ranger Pick-Up, Toyota Coaster Buses, Toyota Corolla cars, Toyota Hiace buses, Toyota Camry Salon Cars, among others at cheap prices.

    How trouble started for the NPA

    TNG recalls the ongoing probe of the NPA follows the adoption of a motion moved by Rep. Oluwole Oke (PDP-Osun).

    In the motion, Oke said the procedure for the disposal and auctioning of government assets were well spelt out in Financial Regulations, 2009 and Public Procurement Act 2007, among others.

    Oke said the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) provides that all revenues realised from the disposal or auctioning of public property be remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

    He alleged that NPA had been auctioning public property not only at a ridiculous price but also without following due process.

    He advanced that partial remittance or non-remittance of revenue realised from the auctioning of public property into the consolidated revenue fund was a breach of the constitution.

    He expressed concern that if the practice continued, coupled with dwindling crude oil revenue in Nigeria, the government might not be able to cope with the rising demand for accelerated infrastructure.

    Following Oke’s submission, the House, thereafter, set up the ad hoc committee to investigate the disposal of public property by the NPA.

    Searchlight beams on NPA officials on Monday

    At its last sitting, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee adjourned the sitting to September 25 to enable NPA officials to prepare answers to questions posed to them.

    Prof Julius Ihonvbere, chairman of the committee directed the NPA officials involved in the ridiculous auction to bring along with them a list of properties slated for auctioning and evaluation reports on the adjourned date.

    Ihonvbere said the NPA officials should also present the committee with the names of registered property valuers involved in the transactions.

    The officials were also directed to present the valuers’ reports and government approval for the sale of the property from the office of the Bureau of Public Procurement.

    The officials were also directed to present Certificates of No Objection to the sales by appropriate government agencies and evidence of remittances of accrued revenue into the Federal Government’s coffers.

    Ihonvbere also told the NPA officials to present bidding procedures, newspaper publications, selection and every other document that could assist the committee in its investigation.

    TNG reports the investigation, according to the House, would cover the period between 2010 and 2022 with a view to establishing the extent of the alleged illegal auctioning of public property and the non-remittance of revenue realised into the consolidated revenue purse.

    The outcome of the ad hoc committee investigation would be reported to the House within four weeks for further legislative action against culpable NPA officials.

    TNG reports that Ms Adenrele Susanna Adesina is the Executive Director of Finance and Administration of the NPA.

    Reps to resume plenary on Tuesday

    Meanwhile, the House of Representatives is set to resume from its annual recess on Tuesday to continue the first legislative year of the 10th Assembly.

    Dr Yahaha Danzaria, the Clerk of the house, said this in a statement in Abuja on Saturday.

    The 10th Assembly proceeded on its annual recess on July 27.

    This followed a plenary session during which Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced the leadership of the standing committees of the house.

    Commenting on the resumption, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the Spokesperson of the House and House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, said the 10th Assembly had been prolific.

    He said since its inauguration, the house had recorded 470 bills, with all passing first reading, while four passed second reading.

    He added that there had been 175 motions considered by the parliament.

    He said in spite of the recess, it had continued to function, as various ad hoc committees continued to carry out their crucial mandates.

    He said this had generated significant positive public interest.

    Rotimi said some of the key early developments expected on resumption was the conclusion of the work of all ad hoc committees and the submission of their reports.

    He said this was for the consideration of the House in line with the directive of the speaker.

    He said the house would get the final draft of its Legislative Agenda developed by the ad hoc committee, led by the Majority Leader, Rep. Julius Inhonvbere.

    He said it would be considered and adopted by the house, adding that the draft agenda was developed following extensive consultations with critical stakeholders.

    He also said that the membership of the standing committees would be announced and fully constituted.

  • UNBELIEVABLE: NPA officials auction 16 vessels for only N156m; run into Reps trouble

    UNBELIEVABLE: NPA officials auction 16 vessels for only N156m; run into Reps trouble

    Officials at the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) have run into trouble with an ad-hoc committee of the House of Representatives after unbelievably auctioning 16 vessels for a paltry sum of N156.24 million in 2019.

    Among the vessels were ML Pategi sold at N3.2 million; ML Misau sold at N1.06 million; PB Kabba sold at N5.4 million; SPB 3 sold at N54,000; and PC Shelleng sold at N48,000.

    Documents before the committee also showed that NPA sold exotic vehicles like Ranger Pick-Up, Toyota Coaster Buses, Toyota Corolla cars, Toyota Hiace buses, Toyota Camry Salon Cars, among others at cheap prices

    The documents equally indicated that NPA sold 45 million other items at the Apapa Port, Lagos in 2022 at N1 each, thereby collecting N45 million after the sales. The property was sold through an invoice dated Aug. 9, 2022.

    The NPA also sold 10,800,700 other items at its Apapa Dockyard in 2021 also at the rate of N1 each, netting N10.800 million in the process.

    The documents further showed that NPA sold 20 million scrap metals at the Kirikiri Terminal II, Apapa, at N1 each, thereby netting N20 million also.

    Prof Julius Ihonvbere, chairman of the committee adjourned sitting on Wednesday to September 25 to enable NPA officials to prepare answers to questions posed to them.

    The officials were directed to bring along with them a list of properties slated for auctioning and evaluation reports on the adjourned date.

    Ihonvbere said the NPA officials should also present the committee with the names of registered property valuers involved in the transactions.

    The officials were also directed to present the valuers’ reports and government approval for the sale of the property from the office of Bureau of Public Procurement.

    The officials were also directed to present Certificates of No Objection to the sales by appropriate government agencies and evidence of remittances of accrued revenue into Federal Government’s coffers.

    Ihonvbere also told the NPA officials to present bidding procedures, newspaper publications, selection and every other document that could assist the committee in its investigation.

    The committee’s job is to unravel the extent of the illegal auctioning of public property, and the non-remittance of revenue realised into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government from 2010 to 2022.

  • NPA directs immediate suspension of virtual parks operations

    NPA directs immediate suspension of virtual parks operations

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has ordered the immediate suspension of processing of truck through virtual parks on the Eto platform.

    The suspension was announced in a statement issued by Mr Irabor Akonoman. Head of Operations of the Truck Transit Park Ltd., (TTP) in Lagos on Wednesday.

    According to Akonoman, the suspension is part of the ongoing efforts to streamline and optimise the operational processes within the port ecosystem.

    “Therefore, the operation of all virtual parks on the eto platform is halted effective immediately and shall remain so until further notice.

    “All trucks arriving the ports shall have emanated from an NPA approved physical truck park, pre-gate or export processing terminal without exception.

    “Kindly note that all categories including Reefers containers & Fish trucks will continue to have unhindered access to the port but will go through an approved park before coming to the ports,” he said.

    “This directive might warrant adjustments in stakeholders operations. We seek your cooperation and understanding.

    “Your cooperation and understanding during this period of evaluation and adjustment are greatly appreciated, as we collectively work towards improving and enhancing the efficiency of our port operations.,” he said.