NPA compels terminal operators to attend trade fairs

Zion Olalekan |

In order to promote the activities of Terminal Operators as concessionaires in all the nation seaports, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has directed that henceforth all such operators would be encouraged to take full participation in Trade Fairs and Exhibitions.

The Managing Director NPA Hadiza Bala gave this indication in Lagos yesterday while declaring open the “NPA Special Day” at the on-going Lagos International Trade Fair.

According to Hadiza Bala Usman the presence of the terminal operators in trade fair arena would enable them to showcase their activities to the numerous visitors to the fair and educate them on their services.

It could be recall that under the current concession regime there are currently 26 terminal operators operating in the six seaports in the country. The terminal operators are responsible for the loading and off-loading of cargo in the ports.

Hadiza whose speech was read by Alhaji Abubakar Umar the Port Manager, Rivers Ports also informed invited guests at the fair that the Authority has started aggressive efforts aimed at attaining the ISO 9001 compliance and certification in the nation’s seaports.

She expressed the strong optimism that the attainment of the ISO 9001 certification will improve the financial performance of the Authority; ensure quick turnaround time, improved traffic and business process in the ports.

She disclosed that already the Management has directed all relevant divisions and departments in the identified critical requirements needed to ensure the successful attainment of the project.

Speaking earlier, the president Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) represented by the Deputy President Toki Mabogunje informed the gathering that the chamber founded in 1888 is the “premier as well as the oldest chamber of commerce in Nigeria”.

According to her, the primary objective was to promote support legislature or other policies affecting trade Industry, Commerce and Agriculture as well as represent the opinion of the business community on these matters and the economy as a whole.

She further stressed that the 2018 Fair with the theme “Connecting Businesses, Creating Value” could go a long way at promoting synergy by players in the public and private sectors for a mutual benefit adding that the present day business would desire connectivity in businesses, link industries and integrate processes to accelerate economic growth and development.

Toki lauded the NPA Management for the several accomplishments aimed at repositioning the sector for improved quality service delivery through an efficient port system.