- As Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Lauds NPA Management
The Federal Government has charged terminal operators to collaborate with it ,to set in motion the necessary machinery for the immediate rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin Can Seaports in Lagos.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola gave the challenge, in Lagos yesterday , after his maiden tour of the two Ports , adding that the rehabilitation of the collapsed quays and other critical infrastructure at the ports became necessary to avoid the collapse of the ports.
The Minister , who was accompanied by the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko, stated that he has gone round the Ports and discovered that the Infrastructure is almost collapsing , saying that, with what he has seen , a major rehabilitation was needed , while dredging has to continue.
Oyetola disclosed that he was looking forward to a situation where the terminal managers will be willing to contribute to the rehabilitation of the ports, adding that if they do this , they will make more money for themselves.
The Minister , however applauded the management of the NPA, pointing out ,that he was impressed with the management . He said the management needed to be supported to achieve the desired purpose.
He revealed that government would be carrying out a remedial work on the quay wall very soon , saying that he has asked of the report of what has been carried out so far ,to be able to secure an approval from the President for remedial work.
The Minister said there was a need to restructure and put the right infrastructure in place at the Ports as a way of revitalising the economy, instead of government continual reliance on oil , adding that there are lot of other opportunities that have remained untapped for so many years, while the President must be commended for creating the ministry.
The Minister also pointed out that he would engage with the ministry of Works on rehabilitation of the port access roads, while he has discussed with the Ministry of Transportation on what can be done with the rail .
