Nigerian Port Authority playing a key role in the ‘Post-New Economy Era’ under new MD Mohammed Bello Koko

The Nigerian Port Authority is playing a key role in the ‘Post-New Economy Era’ in Nigeria. Sea shipping carries the bulk of traded goods, well up to ninety percent worldwide. In Africa’s largest economy, the NPA, the agency that governs and operates Ports in Nigeria is using its key resources to maximum advantage to boost the global competitiveness of the country’s exports.

In a recent interview, Mohammed Bello-Koko barely a year in office as Managing Director showed that the country today has a better secured and safe maritime environment. Working in sync with all stakeholders, carefully laid plans are pushing operational excellence and service delivery at most all seaports and terminals.

At the same time, investments in tech and full digitalization are on course, not to mention ports expansion and development. The port concession model of the Federal Government that was rolled out in 2006, has been adjudged the best in Africa, according to a team of experts from the World Bank Nigeria Office on a working visit to the Nigerian Ports Authority’s head office, in March. Bello-Koko told the team that, “the development of more mega or deep-sea ports across the country with world-class facilities, high quality and efficient operating system, like the Lekki Deep Seaport is now our priority.”

The World Bank Group also expressed willingness to work with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in the development of port infrastructure under a public-private partnership arrangement.

Olatunji Ahmed, a senior transport specialist with the World Bank, assured the NPA that the World Bank Group would continue to partner with Nigeria and other interested countries to develop transport infrastructure and other services that are safe, green, efficient, and inclusive. He said that the Bank was happy to partner with the Authority and intends to continue to help the NPA in its journey to becoming the preferred destination of cargo in Africa.

Christian Mulamula of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) disclosed that the IFC is willing to invest in the Lekki Deep Seaport, and support the terminal operators to upgrade their facilities as well as equipment.

Nigeria’s Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, projects the Lekki seaport, Nigeria’s premier deep seaport to contribute $360 billion to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 45 years when the project is completed. He said this after inspecting ongoing work at the project site.