The nation’s seaports have recorded an increase in cargo throughput in the first quarter of this year, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said.
The increase is 14 per cent higher than the figures of the corresponding period of last year, according to a statement issued by the authority’s Assistant General Manager (AGM), Mr. Musa Iliya.
He said the cargo throughput for the period under review was 19,659,946 million tonnes compared to the 17,245,923 tonnes for 2013.
Similarly, within the period under review, 1,327 ocean going vessels with a total gross registered tonnage (GRT) of 33,940,386 called at Nigerian ports across the country.
According to the statement which was obtained by THISDAY, the figure was against 1,172 vessels with GRT of 28,830,386 that called at the ports in 2013.
The breakdown showed that there were increases in general cargo, including containerized cargo, dry bulk cargo and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipment within the period under review.
The statement said that there was an increase in refined petroleum products, container traffic, including empty containers, and unit of vehicles.
It also said there were increases in the cargo throughput at Lagos Port Complex, Tin-Can Island Port, Calabar Port Complex, Rivers Port Complex and Delta Port Complex.
The authority also confirmed that the level of operational activities at the port locations witnessed positive variance over the first quarter of 2013.
The authority gave reasons for the increase in the cargo throughput in the nation’s seaports.
These include implementation of e-payment system in the nation’s seaport which kicked off January this year and has succeeded in reducing the turn-around time of vessels from 5.3 days to 4.6 days. It also attributed the increase in cargo traffic to efforts economic recovery efforts in Europe after the debt crisis.
The authority noted that the successful port reforms programme embarked on by the Federal Government had resulted in the improved operational activities.
”The port reform programme has also opened many investment opportunities for investors and it is time for prospective investors to explore areas in the port industry,” it added.
The statement said that there should be fast tracking automation of port operations, continuous dredging and removal of critical wrecks along the channels.
It said the measure would guarantee a conducive business environment essential to achieving Nigeria’s vision to be the leading port in Africa.
According to the authority, it would continue to focus on research-based policies and measures that would ensure uninterrupted 24-hour port operations.