NPA board chair laments arson on NPA headquarters

Abiola Seun |

The Chairman, Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) Chief George Ricketts has said that the destruction, burning and looting of the Authority’s headquaters in Lagos will affect the economic activities of the seaports.

Ricketts, in a statement, said for the fact that the NPA as a Federal Government ‘s parastatal plays a critical role in the maritime sector, the vandalisation of its facilities will affect economic activities.

According to him, Nigeria being an import –dependent country, the ports are critical to the development of the country.

He said the NPA strongly condemns the burning of the NPA headquarters, frowning at the destruction of public properties.

His words,’’ While the youths have the rights to protest, it has become obvious that the peaceful protest was hijacked by criminal elements. The destruction of a critical facility such as the NPA building will affect the economic activities of the ports. The ports are critical aspect of the nation’s economy.
“We strongly condemn this act of burning of the Marina headquarters of the NPA. The NPA plays a critical role as a Federal Government’s parastatals in the maritime industry.
“The NPA belongs to all Nigerians and as an import-dependent nation, it is the port that feeds the whole nation.

“If they start pulling down critical structures of this nature, where do they expect the government to get the funds to meet their demands? he asked.