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Tag: NPA

  • PHOTOS: NPA successfully berths biggest container vessel ever at Onne

    PHOTOS: NPA successfully berths biggest container vessel ever at Onne

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced the successful berthing of the biggest container vessel to ever call at any Nigerian port.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the container vessel is the Maerskline Stardelhorn vessel, a flagship from Singapore.

    According to the NPA, the container vessel has an overall length of 300 metres and width of 48 metres. It has a capacity of 9,971(TEUs)

    The Maerskline Stardelhorn was received on Saturday, according to the NPA, at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne in Rivers State.

  • Lopsided appointments’ report unfounded, false – NPA

    Lopsided appointments’ report unfounded, false – NPA

    Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says allegations of lopsided appointments of General Managers supposedly to the North was unfounded and riddled with untruth.

    The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, Mr Adams Jatto, made the denial in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.

    According to the him, appointment and promotion of General Managers and Assistant General Managers are routinely guided by vacancy, exigencies, seniority and competence.

    He added that such exercises are carried out through strict application of Federal Character Principle in order to ensure equity and even distribution of positions in the organisation.

    “General managers are usually appointed from the pool of Assistant General Managers who will ordinarily have been in the service of the authority for long enough to have acquired significant experience in every aspect of the NPA’s operations.

    “Records at the moment, show that while some zones may have fewer representation in General Managers cadre, they have higher representation in the two other most senior roles of Assistant General Manager and Principal Managers,” he said.

    Jatto presented the numbers of the general managers, assistant general managers and principal managers as follows: North-Central, 3, 6, and 36, respectively, totalling 45; North-East, 7, 10 and 27 respectively, totalling 44.

    He added that NorthWest has 5, 3 and 26, totalling 34; South East – 4, 10 and 36, totalling 50; South South – 1, 10 and 43, totalling 54; and South West- 2, 13 and 60, totaling 75.

    He also said that the overall total number of general managers was 22; assistant general managers, 52, and principal managers 228, all totalling 302.

    Jatto urged stakeholders and the general public to note that while the General Manager, Finance was from the South East, the NPA has no offices of General Manager, Seaview and General Manager Accounts, as being circulated.

    He also denied that some retired general managers had their tenures extended on contract in order to stop their “potential successors” from getting promoted.

    “The two cases that were mentioned, General Manager, Human Resources Mr Yahaya Bukar (Aug. 2018 – Aug 2020) and General Manager, Engineering, Engr Ahmed Rufai Mohammed (Feb 2020 – 2021) had their tenures legally extended.

    “This is for the specific reason of the completion of some of the very important projects that were started within the period of their services as general managers.

    “This situation also applied to the immediate past general manager, Finance, Mr Simeon Aniobi, whose tenure was extended between Oct 2017 and October 2019,” he said.

    He emphasised that the NPA management was always guided by principles of fairness, equity and laws of the country in all its operations.

  • Updated: Reps move to probe alleged $1 billion secret account of NPA

    Updated: Reps move to probe alleged $1 billion secret account of NPA

    Apparently peeved by the noise generated by the alleged secret account kept by the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, the House of Representatives on Thursday moved to probe deeper into the allegation.

    The House in a motion under matters of urgent public importance promoted by Hon Kolawole Lawal moved for an investigative hearing on the secretly managed account.

    To this end, the House in session resolved to mandate the Committees on Finance and Ports and Harbours to investigate these allegations and counter allegations, determine if the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) or any of their personnel committed any infractions with regards to these allegations.

    Lawal in the motion noted that” with keen interest the controversies generated by a Whistle-blower (would not disclose name to protect the identity) who claimed that while acting in line With the Whistleblower policy of the Federal government, he duly informed, in confidence, the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), about a hidden or secret account and operated by the Nigerian Ports Authority in Unity Bank to collect revenue generated from sea vessels.. details soon

    He explained that the Whistle-blower alleged that the information he gave to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) led to the exposure of an illegal secret account in Unity Bank, Lagos Branch purportedly operated Nigerian Ports Authority where the sum of $1,034, 516,000 (one billion thirty four million, five hundred and fifteen thousand dollars) was kept contrary to financial regulations and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended);

    “The whistle blower also alleged that the information was verified and approved by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) as qualified for financial reward as prescribed under the Whistle-blower policy of the Federal Government.

    Also observed that Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in response to the these allegations admitted it operates an account With Unity Bank PLC Lagos Branch (account number 0013670344) With a total sum of $1,057,772,03 as of 4th December 2019 but denied the sum of $1,034,515,000.03 as alleged by the Whistle-blower;

    The Nigerian I Ports Authority (NPA) further admitted that the bank account mentioned by them, i.e. 0013670344, had not been operated since 27th August, 2010 due to Gamishee Order Nisi given by the Federal High Court Which was subsequently affirmed by the Supreme Court eight years , after in the case of Aminu Ibrahim & Co VS Nigerian Ports Authority (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/ 582/ 2010);

    “The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) claimed that upon the determination of the case at the Supreme Court, the judgement Creditors continued With Garnishee process Which resulted in the payment of the sum of $1,057,772,03 from the account mentioned by them to the judgment Creditor on the 4th

    When put to a voice vote it was unanimously carried by the ayes as it was not subjected to a debate.

    Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila presided.

  • NPA confirms TNG report, opens up on how staff member contracted COVID-19

    NPA confirms TNG report, opens up on how staff member contracted COVID-19

    Sequel to an exclusive report by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) about a senior staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) contracting the novel coronavirus [COVID-19] disease and the possibility of a mass infection, the agency on Saturday opened up how the affected staff contacted the deadly virus.

    It said the affected staff recently proceeded on a visit to his father-in-law only to discovered that they had taken ill. On careful examination and testing, his father-in-law and the rest of the family tested positive for COVID-19. The staff whom the NPA said was not on the senior cadre decided to self-isolate and later go for COVID-19 test which came positive. The staff and other family members are now receiving treatments at one of the isolation centres in Lagos.

    The agency in a reaction signed and released by its General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Jatto A Adams, said after proper consultation with concerned authorities it took necessary precautions by disinfecting its premises and asked staff members who had been in contact with the suspected case to proceed on self-isolation.

    The statement reads in part: “A member of staff of one of the terminals at the ports, who has not been at the office since Friday April 17, 2020 had visited his father-in-law and family during the weekend of Friday, April 17, 2020 and Sunday April 19, 2020.

    On arrival, he discovered that the medical practitioner father-in- law, his own wife and children had taken ill.

    On Monday, April 20, they were all diagnosed with Coronavirus as a result of which he decided to isolate himself and get tested. He wrote to the office to inform them about the situation and his decision to self-isolate.

    On Thursday, April 23,2020, he again wrote to inform the company that he had tested positive to Coronavirus and that the entire family was now receiving treatment at one of the isolation centres in Lagos.

    The company immediately (on the same Thursday, April 23,2020) wrote to inform and seek advice from the Coordinator of Health Ports Services in line with guidelines laid down by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). for the report of COVID-19 incidents.

    The company, in line with advice from Port Health Services, has disinfected the premises, while all personnel who interacted with the staff have been identified and asked to self-isolate.”

  • EXCLUSIVE: Tension in NPA as COVID-19 infected top shot mixed carefree with staff, patronised private hospital

    EXCLUSIVE: Tension in NPA as COVID-19 infected top shot mixed carefree with staff, patronised private hospital

    There is palpable tension at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos after a senior staff who had been in contact with other staff members of the agency tested positive for coronavirus [COVID-19], TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) can authoritatively report.

    According to an insider source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the affected staff in his early forties is Head of Protocol of the Port and Cargo Department (P&C) and works directly under the Managing Director of the P&C.

    “He is currently receiving treatments in a private hospital in Apapa. No one is sure of his travel history but he has been in contact with top management officials of the NPA. The NCDC officials are coming to evacuate him to their facility tomorrow but we fear he might have infected people in the department and hospital where he is receiving treatment,” the source said.

    The source confirmed that the NPA management has been holding emergency meetings since discovering the COVID-19 case. However, it is not clear what immediate efforts the NPA is putting in place to stop a looming spread of the virus amongst its staff.

    TNG reports that if not professionally handled, this development might further increase the already high figures of COVID-19 cases in Lagos in the coming days. Recall that the Federal and State Governments had earlier warned suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases against patronising private hospitals to reduce spread. The private hospitals were also sternly warned not to admit or treat suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

    TNG reports that as at Thursday, 23rd April, the state has 590 cases, 445 active, 107 discharged, 2 evacuated, 8 transferred and 18 deaths.

    Meanwhile, the management of the NPA is yet to issue any official statement as regards this development. Multiple efforts by TNG to get reactions from the management was unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report.

     

  • COVID-19: Operations continue at the ports – NPA

    Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday said that operations would continue at the ports in spite of the two-week lockdown of Lagos State to contain spread of COVID-19.

    Mr Adams Jatto, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, made this known in a press statement in Lagos.

    “Consequent to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari that Lagos seaports, (Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports), should remain open in the duration of the two-week lockdown of Lagos State, NPA states as followed.

    “NPA hereby assures all stakeholders that arrangements have been made for operations at the ports to continue without hindrance.

    “Safety procedures, which will guarantee the well being and security of stakeholders and staff have been put in place and all are advised to kindly comply with directives of port officials.

    “All other government agencies responsible for smooth operations at the ports are enjoined to be at their respective duty posts to discharge their functions in line with the presidential directive of maintaining operational functions at the Lagos ports,” he said.

    Jatto pointed out that the management of NPA assured all stakeholders of its commitment to facilitation of trade in Nigeria.

  • 6 COVID-19 cases detected on oil rig – NPA

    6 COVID-19 cases detected on oil rig – NPA

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Friday said it had got clarification on the six COVID-19 case found aboard a vessel, as announced by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    Mr Adams Jatto, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.

    Jatto said that the NCDC had clarified that the cases were discovered on an oil rig, Siem Marlin, on the high sea, offshore Lagos, and accessed by the Lagos State Government and the NCDC by helicopter.

    In an update on the coronavirus situation in Nigeria on Thursday at 7.35p.m., NCDC had said that 14 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, with two two Abuja, and 12 in Lagos.

    The NCDC had said that, of the 14, six were detected on a vessel, while three were returnees to Nigeria and one, a close contact of a confirmed case

    The NPA had, in a tweet, countered the NCDC’s claim as regards the six cases.

    The tweet read: “Hello @NCDCgov. In respect to the six cases detected on a vessel in Lagos, the authority, in collaboration with Port Health, has not recorded any confirmed cases to date.

    Jatto said on Friday: “Following public reactions and an attempt by the Nigerian Ports Authority to get full details of COVID-19 cases said to have been found on a vessel, the authority wishes to make the following clarifications:

    “The NPA, by its tweet on March 26, did not contradict the information released to the public by the National Centre for Disease Control. (NCDC).

    “What the tweet sought to do was to get full details of the incident for the purposes of record and better management in the future.

    “The tweet read thus: “Hello @NCDC. In respect to the six new cases that were detected on a vessel in Lagos, the authority in collaboration with Port Health has not recorded any confirmed cases to date.

    “To enable verification and proper record-keeping, kindly avail us with specific details of the vessel the passengers were on board and the terminal or jetty where it berthed,” he said.

    He said that NPA needed the clarification to reassure its stakeholders who raised concerns at the announcement of the six cases.

    He said that concerns were raised because shipping companies, terminal operators and jetty operators did not witness any such passengers through their respective COVID-19 protocols.

    Jatto said that NPA and Port Health Services had set clear protocols on the identification of sick people on vessels and the management of suspected and confirmed cases in line with best practices set by the International Maritime Organisation.

    According to Jatto, the protocols include that captain of any vessel with a sick person on board must fly two yellow flags.

    “This done, personnel of the Port Health Services would go into the vessel at berth and inspect it.”

    According to him, in cases where there is such a person on board, the personnel will quarantine the ship and immediately communicate to the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

    He added that the ministry would send an epidemiologist who would go on board with Port Health personnel, take samples from the sick person and report to the NCDC.

    He said that maritime stakeholders would not have been so apprehensive if it was clear that the six passengers were on a rig.

    “This clarification has renewed the confidence of stakeholders in the effectiveness of the processes put in place.

    “Given the fact that the maritime industry is central to the management of the pandemic worldwide, NPA is committed to working with all other agencies of government to ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” he said.

  • 6 COVID-19 cases detected on oil rig – NPA

    6 COVID-19 cases detected on oil rig – NPA

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Friday said it had got clarification on the six COVID-19 case found aboard a vessel, as announced by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

    Mr Adams Jatto, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, made the disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos.

    Jatto said that the NCDC had clarified that the cases were discovered on an oil rig, Siem Marlin, on the high sea, offshore Lagos, and accessed by the Lagos State Government and the NCDC by helicopter.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in an update on the coronavirus situation in Nigeria on Thursday at 7.35p.m., NCDC had said that 14 new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed, with two two Abuja, and 12 in Lagos.

    The NCDC had said that, of the 14, six were detected on a vessel, while three were returnees to Nigeria and one, a close contact of a confirmed case

    The NPA had, in a tweet, countered the NCDC’s claim as regards the six cases.

    The tweet read: “Hello @NCDCgov. In respect to the six cases detected on a vessel in Lagos, the authority, in collaboration with Port Health, has not recorded any confirmed cases to date.

    Jatto said on Friday: “Following public reactions and an attempt by the Nigerian Ports Authority to get full details of COVID-19 cases said to have been found on a vessel, the authority wishes to make the following clarifications:

    “The NPA, by its tweet on March 26, did not contradict the information released to the public by the National Centre for Disease Control. (NCDC).

    “What the tweet sought to do was to get full details of the incident for the purposes of record and better management in the future.

    “The tweet read thus: “Hello @NCDC. In respect to the six new cases that were detected on a vessel in Lagos, the authority in collaboration with Port Health has not recorded any confirmed cases to date.

    “To enable verification and proper record-keeping, kindly avail us with specific details of the vessel the passengers were on board and the terminal or jetty where it berthed,” he said.

    He said that NPA needed the clarification to reassure its stakeholders who raised concerns at the announcement of the six cases.

    He said that concerns were raised because shipping companies, terminal operators and jetty operators did not witness any such passengers through their respective COVID-19 protocols.

    Jatto said that NPA and Port Health Services had set clear protocols on the identification of sick people on vessels and the management of suspected and confirmed cases in line with best practices set by the International Maritime Organisation.

    According to Jatto, the protocols include that captain of any vessel with a sick person on board must fly two yellow flags.

    “This done, personnel of the Port Health Services would go into the vessel at berth and inspect it.”

    According to him, in cases where there is such a person on board, the personnel will quarantine the ship and immediately communicate to the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

    He added that the ministry would send an epidemiologist who would go on board with Port Health personnel, take samples from the sick person and report to the NCDC.

    He said that maritime stakeholders would not have been so apprehensive if it was clear that the six passengers were on a rig.

    “This clarification has renewed the confidence of stakeholders in the effectiveness of the processes put in place.

    “Given the fact that the maritime industry is central to the management of the pandemic worldwide, NPA is committed to working with all other agencies of government to ensure the safety of all Nigerians,” he said.

  • NPA appoints new GMs, AGMs to boost service delivery

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced a major management change with the appointment new General Managers (GMs) and Assistant General Managers (AGMs) to inject new ideas into the organisation and boost service delivery.
    The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr Adams Jatto, made this known in a statement issued in Lagos on Friday.
    According to him, this exercise is coming on the heels of an ealier appointment and redeployment of port managers and other senior officials.
    “With this development Hajia Aisha Ali Ibrahim now becomes the GM Marine and Operations; Capt. Jerome Angyunwe – GM Health, Safety and Environment; Malam Isah Suwaid Ali – GM Superannuation; Mr Musa Yaro – GM Procurement, and Mr Mohammed Kabiru Kolo- GM Audit.
    “Others include Mr Olumide Omotosho – GM Security; Mr Sylvanus Ezugwu – GM Finance; Mrs Nana Yakubu – GM Public Private Partnership; Mrs Christiana Akpa – GM Medicals, and Mr Innocent Gamboro – GM Corporate and strategic Planing.
    “In the Assistant General Managers cadre Ayodele Durowaiye becomes AGM Operations; Mrs Zainab Kwande – AGM Servicom; Mr Hassan Danjuma – AGM Corporate and Strategic Communications; Mr Talum Amos – AGM Hydrographic; Mr Jamil Khalil – AGM Security; Engr. Suleiman Anas – AGM Corporate and strategic Planning, and Mr Shehu Mohammed – AGM Public and Private Partnership.
    “Others of AGM cadre are Chuma Ezeneinyinya – AGM Occupational Health; Dr Chinwe Nwokolo – AGM Medical Services; Capt. Sylvester Owobu – AGM Marine; Izegboya Ethel – AGM Board; Felix Onyile – AGM Human Resources; Mr Sani Isu – AGM Land and Estate,” the statement read in part.
    According to Jatto other AGM appointees included; Tokunbo Akingbuwa – AGM Budget; Olusola Dairo – AGM Performance Management; Akinlabi Illesanmi – AGM Civil, and Mrs Lucy Gukas – AGM Tariff and Billing.
    He said that the appointments were tandem with the succession plan policy set up by the Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman-led management, to fill leadership gaps that had arisen in the wake of the retirement of some senior officials of the authority.
    The appointment of the new officials would further refresh the composition of the organisation’s leadership structure and inject new ideas that would move the NPA ahead in pursuit of her vision of becoming the leading port authority Africa.