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NPA links 14% increase in cargo to e-payment

By on July 2, 2014

The Managing Director of the Nigeria Ports Authority, Mallam Habib Abdullahi, has attributed the 14 per cent increase in cargo throughput recorded in the first quarter of 2014 to the implementation of E-payment and other port reforms.

He said this in a statement signed by the Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, Musa Iliya.

The statement read, “E-payment which was introduced in January 2014 has reduced turnaround time of vessels from 5.3 days to 4.6 days within the period under review.

“The successful port reforms programme embarked upon by the Federal Government some years ago has resulted in the improved operational activities and has also opened many investment opportunities for investors.

“The NPA will continue to focus on research-based policies and measures that will ensure uninterrupted 24-hour port operations, fast-tracking automation of port operations, continuous dredging and removal of critical wrecks along the channels which will guarantee the conducive business environment essential to achieving its vision of being the leading port in Africa. I urge prospective investors to explore areas in the Port industry for investment.”

A significant increase in LNG shipment resulting from the European economic recovery efforts after the debt crises, was said to have also contributed remarkably to the increase in cargo traffic.

Cargo throughput at Nigerian ports is said to be currently at 19,659,946 million metric tonnes as opposed to 17,245,923 metric tonnes achieved in 2013.

General cargo, containerised cargo inclusive, is said to have contributed 32.2 per cent to cargo throughput at 6,324,366 metric tonnes.

It added, “At 2,302,609 metric tonnes, Dry Bulk Cargo contributed 11.7 per cent to cargo throughput as against 1,971,015 metric tonnes achieved in 2013.

“Liquefied Natural Gas shipment accounted for 27.4 per cent of cargo throughput at 5,389,137 metric tonnes compared with 3,748,437 metric tonnes in First Quarter 2013; an increase of 43.8 per cent.

 

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