Ultimate magazine theme for WordPress.

FG considers building Warri, Bonny, Lekki deep seaports to end Apapa gridlock

Honourable Minister of Transportation,  Mr. Rotimi Amaechi

The Federal Government said it had concluded plans to build Deep
Seaports at Bonny in Rivers State, Warri in Delta State and Lekki, in Lagos
State,
as
part of solutions to addressing the
 gridlock faced on Apapa Wharf road.

Minister of Transportation,  Rotimi Amaechi, gave the assurance while receiving members of the
Governing Board, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) led by the Chairman, Mai Mala
Buni on a courtesy call to his office, Abuja.

The minister further noted
that the problem has persisted over the years due to the fact that what the
country has as ports can best be described as River ports, emphasising that
they neither have the depth nor the capacity to berth large Ships.
The Minister also disclosed
that with the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to build Deep Seaports at
Bonny and Warri, Importers from Aba, Onitsha or Port Harcourt would no longer
have business importing cargoes through Apapa Ports thereby saving man-hours
wasted trying to clear goods and transport to its final destinations.
“We call on all agencies
and stakeholders involved in port operations to deliver on their
responsibilities. The no consequences for failing to deliver on assignments has
further compounded the problems at the ports.
“Let me inform you that the
federal government has concluded plans to build Deep Seaports at Bonny in
Rivers State, Warri in Delta State and Lekki in Lagos State to reduce the
gridlock witnessed on Apapa Wharf road,” he said.
Speaking earlier, the
Chairman of the Governing Board, Hon. Buni, commended the Minister for the
support given to the Board, promising that it will formulate policies that
would not only help NSC to fulfill its statutory role but diversify the
economy, create employment and uplift the standard of living of the people.
The All Progressives
Congress (APC) National Secretary further lauded the Minister for restructuring
the organizational structure of Nigerian Shippers’ Council from five to seven
for efficient management.
“The Minister also deserve
commendation for the review of salary structure of the agency which has
resulted in motivating the staff for efficient job performance,” he said.
On the issue of challenges
confronting the NSC, Buni appealed to the Minister to assist the Board earn the
strong political support required to have unfettered access to the ports and
other establishments to carry out its statutory functions.
The Sun

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published.