THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has emphasized its commitment to modernizing ports and enhancing digital transformation, urging collaboration with media to improve public understanding of maritime reforms.
During a visit from the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP), Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the Authority’s General Manager for Corporate and Strategic Communications, defended the NPA’s initiatives, particularly the Electronic Truck Call-Up system (ETO), aimed at streamlining truck movement at ports. He acknowledged the existing congestion issues and highlighted ongoing collaboration with law enforcement despite traffic enforcement not being NPA’s formal mandate.
Onyemekara detailed plans for structured media engagement, including briefings and site visits to promote transparency regarding modernization efforts. He recognized that while reforms can face criticism, they are essential for Nigeria to remain competitive globally, citing Lekki Deep Sea Port as an example of successful modernization leading to improved operational efficiency. He explained that investment decisions are driven by market demand, with an ongoing commitment to develop eastern ports and attract private investment for new projects.
In closing, he praised maritime journalists for their factual coverage, noting their role in fostering public confidence in the reform process, and CONMMEP President Udo Onyeka commended the NPA for its support, highlighting improved port performance as evidence of successful reforms in Nigeria’s maritime sector.