NPA boosts ports efficiency, commissions control towers

The Nigerian Ports Authority says the rehabilitation of the control towers for Apapa and Tincan ports will make Nigerian ports more competitive and efficient.

The Managing Director of NPA, Mr. Muhammed Bello-Koko, said this on Thursday in Apapa during the commissioning of the rehabilitated control towers for the Lagos and Tincan Island port complex.

He said that the towers ensure visibility at a very higher point and also safer navigation.

Bello-Koko explained that the facility was in a terrible state before he assumed office as the NPA boss.

“This is the most important infrastructure in the ports, this is the first point of contact for every vessel coming to the country. This is where you see the signal light and this is a point of communication. It also creates visibility at a higher point and safety of navigation, it is an important thing to us. The rehabilitation is to ensure that our ports are competitive, we ensure that we bring in our vessels on time.”

The NPA boss said that the commissioning of control tower signposts unwavering commitment towards improving operational efficiency through aggressive infrastructure and equipment renewal.

“As most of us are aware, safety and security constitute critical operational preconditions necessary for the actualization of our strategic intent of becoming the maritime logistics hub for sustainable port services in Africa, which is why we placed a high priority on putting in place a modern control tower of this nature in order enhance our domain awareness capability.”

According to him, “The benefits of this investment such as reduction in the cost of training, improved capacity to monitor quality, speed, convenience, and deepening of local content amongst others will certainly make us all proud to be a part of this noble cause.”

He however said that the commissioning of the control tower signposts the agency’s unwavering commitment to improving operational efficiency through aggressive infrastructure and equipment renewal.

Bello- Koko said, “In keeping with our resolve to deepen synergy with sister agencies, we have constructed a building facility to provide operational comfort for government agencies that operate within the port for both Tincan and Apapa.”