Rivers ports now safe, viable for business- NPA

.… NIMENA urges stakeholders to harness maritime potential in Rivers State

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced that the seaports in Rivers state are now safe and viable for business activities.

The Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Mr. Michael Adamu disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking at Rivers State Maritime Breakfast Roundtable Series organized by the Eastern Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA).

Adamu stated that insecurity on the eastern waterways, which hitherto hindered vessels traffic and patronage of the ports has now become a thing of the past as a result of the improved security architecture at the ports.

He attributed the improved security to the collaborative efforts of the NPA, Nigerian Navy, NIMASA and other security personnel patrolling the waterways.

In his words, “In the past, the security situation hindered improved vessel traffic but the present management has done so much and since assumption of office in Rivers port, we have not had any insecurity situation that would discourage patronage of the port.

“At the moment, I don’t have any such record. The security architecture established is working for us. We have the marine police, Navy, DSS, Army, and Airforce collaborating and synergising with NPA and NIMASA to ensure improved security.”

Speaking further, he said, “Presently, we also have the presidential task force to make sure that joint boarding on board vessels is done seamlessly without interference by broachers of containers and criminal activities of some individuals that find their way into the port.”

Speaking on the theme of the event,”Harnessing the Maritime Potentials of Rivers State,” Executive Director, Marine and Operations (NPA), Onari Brown stated that the State must recognise the strategic role of ports and work collaboratively to ensure their modernization and efficiency.

Brown,who was represented by the Rivers Port Manager said this will not only maximise the state potential as a maritime hub, but also contribute significantly to the economic development of Nigeria and West Africa as a whole.

“Rivers State maritime potential is undeniable. The state possesses the geographic advantage, resources and infrastructure for dominance in maritime trade. By strategically aligning its maritime assets with the principles of the blue economy embracing multimodal transport systems and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, Rivers state can position itself as a vital hub for trade, commerce and economic growth,” he said.

Also speaking, Eastern Zonal Coordinator, NIMASA, Yusuf Barde, said the maritime potentials of Rivers State and the nation at large if well harnessed can surpass the revenue from oil.

“The potentials of the marine economy to the rivers state government and Nigeria at large is so enormous that if fully harnessed it can even supersede the revenue generation from oil. It ranges from the marine aquatic system, fisheries to oil and marine exploration and marine transportation. These are the areas, the Rivers government should look into,” he said.

Earlier in his address, Chairman, Eastern Chapter of NIMENA, Engr. Brendan Dumpe stated that the aim of the event was to highlight some of the challenges and prospects in the state maritime industry.

He noted that despite the huge maritime potential in River State, the state is yet to derive its full benefits.

“This gathering signifies a significant step in unlocking the immense opportunities that lie within our state’s maritime industry.

“Rivers State has long been recognized as a strategic hub for maritime activities in Nigeria. Our unique geographical location, rich natural resources, and port infrastructure make us a key player in the maritime sector. However, despite boasting of a rich maritime heritage, there remains an array of untapped potential. As we convene here today, we have the opportunity to explore, discuss, and collaborate on how we can leverage these advantages and learn from other climes to further our state’s maritime potential.

“A critical examination of Singapore’s remarkable economic development through maritime activities is a clear indication of the possibilities that await Rivers State when the right policies and actions are put together,” he said.

Other stakeholders present at the meeting include the Admiral Superintendent, Naval Dockyard, Adm. Frederick Damtong; former Executive Director, Marine and Operations, NPA, Sekonte Davies; President, Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) Emmanuel Maiguwa; and Principal Partner, ValuEdge Consulting, Sunday Mgbejume among others.