Dogara commends terminal operators for improved services

It was commendation galore on Thursday for private terminal operators at the nation’s seaports as top government officials and major stakeholders took turns to commend them for improving on the fortunes of their various terminals.

Speaking at a one-day conference on the review of port concession agreement organized by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and International Maritime Exhibition and Conference (IMEC), the Speaker, House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara set the ball rolling by applauding port concessionaires for their role in making the port more effective and efficient through the development of infrastructures, describing the port concession programme as a huge success nine years after.

Represented by the Deputy Chief Whip of the House, Hon.Pally Iriase, Dogara said the port concession of 2006 has brought tremendous benefits to the Nigerian economy.

He said the average turnaround time of vessels has also decreased significantly.

“Since the concession agreement in 2006 till date, terminal operators have recorded some achievements as evidenced by the injection of funds for the provision of port infrastructure and equipment.

He said modest achievements have been recorded on “seaside operation which has drastically reduced the vessel turnaround time at our port, the perimeter fencing of all the terminals in compliance with ISPS Code and improved security of cargoes at terminals among others”.

Dogara charged the port community and stakeholders to do more especially in areas of automation of cargo clearance, enhancement of cargo examination processes as well rehabilitation of the port access roads.