The Chairman, Nigerian Ports Consultative Council Nigeria (NPCC), Chief Kunle Folarin, said on Monday that the port reform process in Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was truncated midstream.

Folarin stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

He said that the concessioning of the cargo handing activities which was embarked upon with lofty objectives could not be achieved due to non-adherence to principles and policies.

Folarin said that there was need for reform if the ports industry truly deserves to be productive, competitive and earn a hub status.

The maritime He said port reforms had created new structures and operating a new environment for NPA.

He said that NPA, having the landlord status, should provide basic infrastructure at the port and also technical regulation.

Folarin said that NPA was mandated to monitor port operations in the concessioned areas.

He said that it was part of NPA’s responsibility to implement the master plan.

“Nigerian Ports Authority’s impact has led to increase in cargo handling operations comparable with global standards.

“NPA has succeeded in reducing cost of doing business at the ports, eliminated maritime fraud and corruption at the ports.

“NPA has ensured safe, pollution free and navigable channels for ships traffic and had built a strategic plan.”

The NPCC boss said that the port reform had been hampered by several fundamental issues from conception, implementation processes and the operation of the concessioning regime.

He said that there was need to include the reform of all the key institutions in the port system.

Folarin said that there was need for more commitment in order to achieve the objectives of building an efficient, productive and competitive port environment. (NAN)

•Photo shows Apapa Wharf, Lagos.

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