Eastern Ports will soon boom,’ Says Rivers Port Manager

Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Mrs. Kenechi Okezie, speaks in this interview about developments at the port and other key issues.

What challenges has the port management faced with stakeholders?

As I always say, collaboration is key, and there is no system where people will not have diverse opinions or different ways of reasoning. However, if I were to talk about challenges with stakeholders, they have been minimal. I mean, Nigerian Customs Service, the Navy, Port Health, and other agencies, there is no challenge we have encountered that we have not resolved amicably.

So, I wouldn’t single out any particular problem because, as issues arise, we resolve them. However, if there is any issue that requires intervention, we will certainly let you know.

How is the Rivers Port Management integrating and interfacing the Port Community System with other government agencies, given that they operate under different ministries?

The Port Community System is well underway. We have embarked on a series of sensitisation programmes with our sister agencies and other stakeholders within the port community. I believe we have already gone live and commenced implementation.

That is why, under the current billing procedures, agents can upload their documents and manifests online for everyone to access. This is the essence of the Port Community System and the interface we are talking about. It enables all agencies and stakeholders to view information in real time, thereby reducing paperwork, preventing delays, and improving efficiency.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is committed to the process. It is still a work in progress, but we will get there.

What is the port management doing to make the Eastern ports more attractive, especially since the majority of goods cleared at the Lagos ports are destined for the South-East market?

The Rivers Port Complex is over 125 years old. Naturally, some of its infrastructure has become dilapidated over time. However, management has not neglected the Eastern ports. As we speak, while rehabilitation is ongoing at the Western ports, similar efforts are also being undertaken at the Eastern ports.

Currently, some of the berths at the Rivers Port Complex are being reconstructed to make them stronger, while the channels are being dredged to accommodate larger vessels. We recognise the strategic proximity of the Eastern ports to the South-East market, which is why the government is making consistent efforts to rehabilitate these ports and make them fully operational.

The goal is to enable vessels to berth directly at the Eastern ports, thereby reducing the cost of transporting goods by road.

There are also ongoing efforts to address safety concerns. I want to assure you that, very soon, the Eastern ports will experience significant growth.

Can you give us an update on security at the Eastern ports, particularly regarding piracy and sea robbery?

On the issue of security, you mentioned piracy. I stand to be corrected, but I know that over the past two years, incidents of piracy on our waterways have reduced significantly. Out of about 36 reported incidents some time ago, I believe only two or three occurred within our waterways. So far, we have made considerable progress.

However, we will not rest on our laurels. We will continue working to ensure total and absolute security on our waterways.
Regarding port safety, we operate under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. Almost all our ports are currently at Security Level One, which indicates that they are safe. Investors can therefore be assured of the safety of bringing their vessels into Nigerian waters.

While we have made significant progress in both port safety and maritime security, we remain committed to doing even more to combat piracy and other security threats.

The Rivers Port handles a high volume of bulk cargo. Are there any measures in place to attract businesses involved in general cargo?

The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has already introduced incentives for general cargo. As you rightly mentioned, Rivers Port handles a significant volume of bulk cargo. We process a lot of bulk cargo here.

However, general cargo is not a major aspect of our operations. To encourage more general cargo traffic, incentives have been introduced. The applicable rates for general cargo are lower than those for dry bulk cargo.

There are also other incentives that can be considered. I will take this suggestion back to management, and we will continue working on ways to attract more general cargo to Rivers Port.