Rivers State: NPA set to commence operations at Ibeto Jetty

The outlook of Port operations and development in Nigeria, is about to take a tremendous leap, following concerted efforts by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, to reposition the sector to create efficiency, in line with current global realities.

This decision according to the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, NPA, Dr. Sokonte H. Davies, is to make the Ports more profitable and functional.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Africa Update, over the weekend, Davies said NPA has commenced moves to develop deep sea ports across the Eastern and Western regions to mitigate the breakdown of Port activities due to the huge sizes of vessels being manufactured.

Stressing that the global outlook when it comes to marine operations and shipping is the construction of bigger vessels that have the capacity to take 20,000 -30,000 TEU capacity threshold or more.

Reacting to alleged criticism resulting from the call by Lagos State Government for the construction of more Ports, he revealed that the call is in line with global trends. Reiterating that neighboring countries are developing deep sea Ports in Abijan, Tema, Ivory Coast with drafts of 16, 17, 18 metres, to meet global standards and if nothing is done in this direction, Nigeria might be faced with loss of revenue and a total collapse of the shipping sector.

He noted that the current state and operation of existing Ports will become obsolete in the next five or ten years, because the Ports at Lagos, Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri and Calabar are River Ports, that have shallow drafts, especially the Calabar Port that has 4 metres draft during low tide and 4.5 metres at high tide..

Davies revealed that in addition to the 10% discount on shipping charges, NPA has commenced the development of Deep Sea Ports in Lekki, while the Dangote Port, which is almost complete is being considered for use as a Terminal, due to the high quality of the Port’s facility.

At the Eastern corridor, he stated that Deep Sea Ports will be constructed at Ibaka, Ibom, Bonny, to handle Port activities.

“The development of Deep Sea Ports in Nigeria, will eliminate the challenges of channel arrangements and huge cost associated with port maintenance.

“But Essentially in Nigeria, what we have are River Ports. whether in Lagos, or Port Harcourt, or Onne, or Warri or Calabar.

“The Calabar story is even more pathetic as at now we are talking about a draft of 4 or 4.5 metres, that is during the high tide.

“Like other countries we believe that if there are more Deep Sea Ports in the country, it will aid commerce, and the present ports can be put to other use. The old Ports will be used for the activities o Fishing vessels, logistic vessels. The old Ports would be used differently”, he noted.

To further enhance shipping activities in the Eastern Zone, Davies disclosed that NPA has given approval to a Terminal Operator to use the Ibeto Jetty in Rivers State, following the poor State of the Port Facility at the Industry road. As regards Ibeto’s indebtedness to NPA, he said, an indemnity is in place that allows payment in installments.

On the future of Port operations in the country, Davies stated that NPA has developed a 25 year Port development master plan, and is currently shopping for a new consultant to develop the blueprint.