Digitalisation : NPA needs $800million to rehabilitate Apapa port, TinCan Island, others
Digitalisation :
NPA needs $800million
to rehabilitate Apapa port, TinCan Island, others
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, has said that for Nigerian ports to be fully digitalised, a huge sum of $800 million loan is required for total rehabilitation work.
The NPA boss revealed this while making a presentation, at the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH), Europe and Africa 2023 Regional meeting, held on Thursday, February 16, 2023, in Germany.
In attendance at the meeting were Vice-President of both regions, Jens Meier (Europe) and Micheal Luguje (Africa), hosting IAPH members, CEOs to a top level discussion.
Mr Bello-Koko mentioned Apapa Port, TinCan Island Port located in Lagos, Onne Port in Rivers State, rehabilitation of Escravos break-waters in Warri Port, as well as Calabar Port in Cross River.
He explained that the $800million loan once it is obtained, will be repayable within a period of seven years.
According to him, NPA would have decided to fund this capital project but doing so will reduce its contributions to Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
He informed : “Rehabilitation will help in achieving digitalisation of all ports in Nigeria. Port remedial works are no more effective. The ports need complete rehabilitation”.
The NPA boss emphasised the importance of working synergy in carrying out major projects in an economy. He stated that working collaboration paved the way for establishment of Lekki Deep Sea Port, which is known to be Nigeria’s deepest seaport with initial depth of 16.5m.
He added: “After completion of the third phase, the depth will be 20.5m”.
Speaking further, Bello-Koko pointed out the economic benefits of government and private sector partnership initiative, stressing that such collaboration will enhance greater productivity in Nigerian port industry.
While acknowledging participants for their contributions, Vice-President, IAPH Europe, Jens Meier, harped on continuous collaboration between Europe and Africa, in order to achieve the objective of digital ports in Africa.