NPA Doesn’t Operate Higher Tariff In Port Harcourt – Umar

The Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, A. G. Umar has debunked assertion that the Rivers Port Complex frightens away Customers with high tariff, stressing that the Nigerian Ports Authority operates a uniform tariff in all the nation’s ports.

The Rivers Port Manager indicated this while receiving visiting Maritime, Energy and Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MEMPON) led by its National President Amb (Dr.) Ralph John to his Basket House, Port Harcourt office on a courtesy visit.

“Rivers Port is ready and open to receive as many vessels as possible than as before”, Umar stated, indicating Management’s decision to harness the strategic location advantage of the Port’s nearness to the business hub of Aba and Onitsha.

He also noted the relevance of the two Terminal Operators; Ports and Terminal Operators (Nigeria) Limited and BUA Ports and Terminal whose efforts to market the Port is ongoing, pledging to support the gesture; even as he called on importers to utilize this advantage to bring in cargoes, stressing that the non-congestion of the terminals make it easy for vessels to be berthed when compared to other Ports.

Responding on his efforts to boost business in the Port, the Port Manager intimated the Journalists of his collaboration and partnership with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) to ensure that the Port gets boost in business.

On the issue of security, Mr. A. G. Umar revealed that the Port which was previously on security level two (2) has now slowed down to level one (1).

He commended the efforts of NIMASA in safeguarding the waterways, which he said has made the channels safe thereby increasing number of vessels weekly.

Mr. Umar who stated earlier that Nigerian Ports Authority whose duty is to generate revenue for the Federal Government as other agencies will do much more if some of its challenges are addressed.

While conducting members of MEMPON round the facilities, the Port Manager revealed that the Port needs a total rehabilitation, continuous maintenance and dredging to enable it receive more vessels as well as more tug boats and newer Pilot Cutters.

In his remarks, the President of MEMPON revealed that his members were conscious of the remarkable improvement in the activities of the Port since Umar’s assumption of office in Rivers Port.

He pledged the support of the MEMPON members, saying they would always be ready to synergize with the Port to boost activities, while commending the Port Manager on the level of security the Port has attained, and urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards ensuring the provisions of facilities for better output.