NgeneUkwenu:
Very wrong move!

Why? I understand from industry experts that bayero had vested interests.

NgeneUkwenu:
Very wrong move!

Not wrong bro. Habibu was replaced so that Bayero would feign ignorance if asked about past dealings - ''Your Excellency, I am new here''. PMB reinstated Habibu so he could account for what happened. He may be fired thereafter.

bright007:
Buhari's plan is to northernize all major public offices in Nigeria and ultimately islamize Nigeria.




Hope the Duara paparrazi cattle rearer has his ministerial list ready because September is around the corner

as long as they get the job done.

Sack and fire!
The new policy that will usher in "chanji"

dayo23:
Very good appointment, The new MD Habibu Abdullahi already knows that no room for stealing is not corruption, any rubbish and you are kicked out like football

did u read anywhere that he was reinstated?

ionsman:
Nice one my president. Revert all the nonsense Gej did where applicable. ..



If you are bitter, hug transformer. This time around you will be electrocuted because there is always power.

pls telll me, how come i dont have light now as i write. propagandist!!

egobetatoday:


pls telll me, how come i dont have light now as i write. propagandist!!

Okay.

We’ve blocked revenue leakages in ports with ICT – Habib Abdullahi, MD/CEO, NPA

BY UCHE USIM

The Nigerian Ports Author­ity (NPA), a landlord to the maritime industry, has been in the eye of the storm over time for several reasons.

First, there is a general belief that the authority is not doing enough to boost port operations, a development many believe has left the sector operating below interna­tional standards.

Some stakeholders also fingered the NPA for not doing enough to lower the cost of doing business at the ports, which consider remains abysmally high.

But for the NPA Managing Direc­tor, Malam Habib Abdullahi, who opted to put the records straight in this interview listed the thrills and challenges of his job to clear some doubts in the minds of Nigerians. Only recently, the NPA boss reeled out the achievements of the au­thority under his leadership, saying a lot more successes are in the offing.

According to him, investment in human and equipment has led to a leap in revenue, while ensur­ing seamless port operations. He speaks more about the NPA.

Excerpts:

NPA in the last two years

Yes, indeed there is need for me, on behalf of NPA management, to give an account of our stewardship, which is mainly on our efforts to make the nation’s seaports the leading and most efficient ports in Africa. In the last two years, and in line with the mandate given to us as well as the Transforma­tion Agenda of President Goodluck Jona­than, the present management embarked on programmes designed to improve efficiency of our operations. Interestingly, all stakehold­ers, including the media, have been part of this significant milestone, which has brought this very special and epoch-making occasion. Just like you know, the major determinant of an efficient and user-friendly port is hinged on vessel turn-around time, cargo dwell time, security of ships at berth, as well as safety of the channel. Apart from this, Nigerian ports are also in need of huge resources for rehabilita­tion and modernisation of its infrastructure to meet the demand of stakeholders.

Marine operations

In this area, our efforts are anchored on the need to deliver efficient port services in a safe, secure and customer-friendly environ­ment, in accordance with international best practices. To achieve this, we have continued to pay attention to improving existing port in­frastructure in the areas of rehabilitation of port quay walls and aprons, deepening of our chan­nels, upgrading of our common user facilities and wreck removal from our channels. As you are aware, the biggest vessel to call at any port in West Africa (WAFMAX) with a length overall of 232.33 metres and capacity of 4,500 TEUS requiring draught of 13.5 meters has started visiting our ports due to our consistent dredging campaign. The weekly call of the WAFMAX vessel to Lagos and Onne ports is a great achievement. Generally, stakeholders and shipping companies have confirmed that the channel management and conservancy function of the authority have continued to improve. Analysis has also confirmed that most of the ports recorded increase in the Gross Registered Tonnage (GRT) of vessels mainly due to the capital and maintenance dredging of the channel by our Joint Venture (JV) Companies, namely the Lagos Channel Management (LCM) Company, for the man­agement of the Lagos Channel and the Bonny Channel Management (BCC) Company for the management of the Bonny Channel. These strategic developments have reflected in increasing cargo throughput to 77 million metric tons in 2013 from 44,953,073 MT in 2005 excluding crude oil and gas. Again, in order to provide efficient towage service, the Federal Government approved the outsourcing of these services in Port Harcourt, Onne, Warri and Calabar ports. Very soon, I assure you there will be no more complaints on delay in ship movement in and out of the ports.

Health safety and environment

In recognition that excellence in environ­ment, safety and health enhance efficient and successful port operations, an environ­mental health policy was formulated under our administration. In view of that, I can say we achieved a lot which include procurement of six Mercedes Benz (Actross 3332) fire engines with foam tenders, complete with accessories and one year back-up spare parts. Another was supply of two Mercedes Benz (Actross 3332) fire fighting trucks with aerial platform, com­plete accessories and one year back-up spare parts. Others are supply of first aid intervention equipment, construction and supply of four Heavy Duty fire trucks, supply of six Land Rover (defender) fire tender with complete ac­cessories and one year back-up spare parts.

Development of deep seaports

It is also a privilege that it was during my tenure that the Federal Government approved the development of a deep seaport in Lekki under a PPP arrangement. Similar projects located in Ibaka, Akwa Ibom State, Olokola in Ondo and Ogun states, Badagry, Lagos State, are also being considered. Aside all I’ve stated, we have continued to make strides in improving existing port infrastructure in the areas of rehabilitation works. We have seen to the conclusion of East and West moles and upgrading and renovation of common user facilities. Worth mentioning is the comple­tion of Phase 4 and approval received for the commencement of the development of port facilities Phase 4B at Onne Port Complex.

Capital projects

In pursuance of the development of our ports to ensure that they meet international standards in service delivery and satisfying the requirements of port users and stakehold­ers, management has continued to vigorously pursue major capital projects in all our port locations nationwide. We have witnessed the completion of the construction of 1.6km road at the Lagos Port Complex (LPC). We have also completed the reconstruction of Termi­nals B and C at old Warri Port, and equally completed the rehabilitation of rail track at LPC. The rehabilitation of TCIP quay wall and quay apron is ongoing. There are also third party projects, which include the initiation and completion of Island Berth on Lagos Channel by Oando and completion of Eko Support Services at Bullnose, Apapa.

To further encourage private participation in port development, technical approvals were granted to Digisteel Limited and MRS Oil & Gas to expand their services at Ogogoro and TCIP respectively. We have also granted approval to Niger Dock for development of additional berth to its existing one at Snake Island. Similarly, we are processing a number of applications from prospective investors. Already, applications from PTML and GDNL have been processed and recommended for requisite approval.

In order to accommodate the rapid expan­sion and development in the port, we are intensifying effort in the final production of a National Port Master Plan.

Finance

At the commencement of this adminis­tration, it became imperative to seek ways of improving the revenue of the authority without compromising efficiency and to pro­vide comfort for all customers. Consequently, management unveiled the e-payment initiative to deliver our vision for overall transformation of the authority.

I guess you were there when we unveiled the e-payment solution some time in Febru­ary this year (2014). That product, I must emphasise, has tremendously improved our operations. These include identifying and blocking all avenues of revenue leakages, investment in massive infrastructural renewal and development geared towards deepening the channels to attract larger vessels. Others include automating and integrating our various ports nationwide using the same informa­tion technology platform, thereby improving efficiency and reducing manual intervention in our processes. I am glad to mention that this has already started yielding results.

Some of the benefits of the e-payment platform include instant payment confirma­tion; elimination of human interface in the payment procedures; improvement in vessel turn around time and reduction in cost of doing business in our ports, which impacts positively on the national economy. Going forward, it is expected that introduction of this platform would eliminate, among others, delays in confirmation of payment of provisional bills across the ports; long documentation and payment confirmation procedures arising from the above; unnecessary delay of vessel in port awaiting payment confirmation leading to demurrage payment by ships; delay in the 48 hours clearing process. Again, the process has helped to improve service delivery between terminal operators (concessionaires), shipping companies, leases and other stakeholders and the Nigerian Ports Authority. This is evident from the recent 15.4 per cent increase in cargo throughput recorded in the first half of 2014.

Human capacity building

This administration, for the first time, undertook a massive train­ing plan (both local and foreign) that cuts across every cadre of the workforce. In 2013 alone, manage­ment trained 3,091 personnel out of the total workforce of 4,245. This figure represents 90 per cent of total workforce.

Again, considering the huge responsibility of securing the ports in line with international standards, the present management has suc­cessfully completed the recruitment and training of security men for the authority. Similarly, we are in the process of recruiting additional fire­men and women.

Corporate Social Responsibility

In line with our Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy, we undertook several projects, includ­ing relief materials to 2012 flood victims; relief materials to Bakassi returnees; donation of buses to UNILAG; donation of security boats to the Nigerian Navy and provision of social amenities (classrooms and health centres across the country).

Rewards for staff

We resuscitated the long service award by honour­ing 321 personnel, who have served the organisation for between 30 and 34 years as at December 31, 2011. This is to show appreciation to the workforce. However, we intend to make this an annual event.

Introduction of electronic ship entry notice

Yes! In our resolve to continue to deliver efficient port ser­vices according to our mandate as an authority, we have taken a giant stride to introduce another major initiative that will further drive with great speed the wheel of shipping in our ports. This is the Electronic Ship Entry Notice (e-SEN). The Ship Entry Notice (SEN) process hitherto was done manually. Stakeholders purchased booklets of application forms, filled a leaflet and submitted manually to the designated SEN offices located in either the Western Ports or Eastern Ports head offices depending on the port of call. This manual process was fraught with challenges such as duplication of requests, slow response to requests due to delayed verification and vali­dation of ship data. Important to note also, is the feedback from stakehold­ers revealing the inconvenience faced in travelling back and forth between designated SEN offices to pick up their SEN certificates and ports of discharge, loss of manhours in business and the risk involved in commuting. Consequently, we have integrated an online payment plat­form on the e-SEN application. This is to simplify the payment processes to NPA and enhance the provision of a link to the world economy thereby encouraging international trade.

25-year port development plan

To harness the potentials of the Nigerian maritime sector, the Federal Government has the 25-year port development plan. It has been tidied up and once it is approved by the government, you’ll see the level of development that will be recorded in the nation’s maritime sector.

Concessionaires worries about poor infrastructure, power

We are addressing the issue of electricity challenge for the concessionaires to operate. Power is very vital, no doubt about that. It’s step by step. People just want to wake up one day and see that ev­erything in the port system is done. It’s not in a day. As you fix one, another issue comes up. So, it’s a gradual process and I can assure you that we will get there. Let me say here that we have already submit­ted the power generation document to the Ministry of Transport. I am aware that favourable decisions have also been taken on that issue at the Federal Executive Council (FEC). But there are few things to sort out here and there. You know that a major issue is that of sorting certain things out with the Generat­ing Companies and Distribution Companies (Gencos and Discos). There is also the power commis­sion that regulates them, which is the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Also, we are aware that there are some compa­nies like the Flour Mills Plc that is generating more power than it can consume. They are ready to sell out some of it. So, they can supply the ports. Even at that, it is not as easy as I’ve said it. We have to look at, for instance, the legal aspect of it. Can we take it and distribute it? What about the other agencies that control electricity in Lagos, I mean the Eko Distribution Company? What role will they play in this and so on? But we’re on that path of addressing the issue of power. The matter is with FEC. I believe very soon, by the end of this year, everything concerning power will be taken care of.

Now, as regards issues like access roads within the ports, we are ad­dressing that as well. In fact, the one constructed in Apapa Port, you can do car race on it. We’re grappling with these challenges and solving them.

Tugboats

We don’t have enough. We’re trying to bring in more. In fact, you may never have enough. You know, as your operations increase, you need more and more of that. We have ordered for four additional ones. But as a stop gap measure, you outsource some of that function, which we are doing. We get some companies to assist us as we go along buying. So, we’re addressing that issue.

Addressing slow clearance process at the ports

There are so many agencies operating at the nation’s seaports. For maximum efficiency, all the agencies must also operate within the highest standards. Sec­ondly, our roles have changed. We are just landlords now. We are no longer operators as you are aware. We also technical regulators and our responsibility in that area is the pilot­age and by that I mean bringing in the vessels and taking them out. We are also in charge of security at the ports, common user facility, access roads, among others. We don’t clear goods; we don’t examine goods; we don’t even receive goods. There are people handling those functions now like the terminal operators, shipping agents, Customs, agents, etc. So, none of these I mentioned has anything to do with the NPA. Unfortunately, quite a number of people have forgotten about our new roles since after the conces­sion. It’s no longer the NPA of old. So, whatever happens at the ports, they heap it on the NPA. If goods delay to be cleared, it’s the NPA; if a truck conveying containers spoils, it’s the NPA; if a container is lying idle by the roadside, it’s the NPA. I don’t blame some people who don’t know because those that are even supposed to know forget the new status of the NPA, that the issues mentioned earlier are completely not our responsibility. NPA is not involved in the clearance of goods. So, if a container delays in com­ing out, who am I to go and query those involved? Congestion issues are painful, no doubt, but we’re not involved in the clearance process. There was a time we went with the Transport Minister to the ports and we saw sister agencies in uniform by the gates re-examining the goods already cleared and signed off to go. That was being done on the road and it caused traffic congestion. Who am I to query them? Mine is to ensure there is free passage at the gates because they are mine. I am also to make sure the roads are tarred and smooth for free flow of vehicles and trucks. But vehicles parked on the queue waiting to load or examination are not mine. Left to me, I would want to be moving well without hindrances because the faster they move, the better for me and, of course, more revenue for me. Even the other agencies working at the ports have their challenges as well. I think you should just move into the port and see things for yourselves, then you appreciate their challenges as well. Port operations is a multi-dimensional system. One is integrated into the other. It’s a chain. There are so many people involved in the clearance chain.

Donating boats to Nigerian Navy

The boats we donated to the Nigerian Navy were patrol boats. It is to help boost security of the channels and beyond. We’re in charge of security so the boats are to help take care of that. It’s like a CSR. For your information, it’s not only us that did it, other agencies too within the Nigerian ports system were involved. The money for that was approved by the Federal Execu­tive Council. Remember few years ago, we used to hear of incidents within the Gulf of Guinea on a regu­lar basis. Now, it’s no more a regular occurrence. You hardly hear of that again. The reason for that success is partly donations like this. We just offer such assistance to sister organ­isations like the Navy to make our channels safe and secure for vessels to come in. If there is insecurity on the high seas, no matter the number of patrol boats we have, nobody will come in and that is why NIMASA is also offering such assistance. Secu­rity is very important. No business activity will thrive without security. That much we appreciate and that is why we offer assistance that will improve security at all times in the interest of the maritime sector and the country’s economy in general.

Interestingly, we have the backing of the FEC in the urgent need to secure the channels and the high seas so that we can boost business in Nigeria.

Restiveness of marine pilots

I’m not aware of any restive­ness of the marine pilots. And like you observed, I have a good relationship with them right from time. At some point, I was in charge of their training for a very long time, like some 10 years ago. May be I understand their problems or chal­lenges and sort them out. Even when the Executive Director of Marine came, he also tried to understand their operations and challenges. He made some changes here and there and perhaps that is why everywhere is calm a bit.

Calabar Channel

The Calabar Channel Manage­ment Company has been approved now by the government. So, we’re on the verge of starting off the work of the company. But what government has approved is that before we do the maintenance of the channels, we have to tidy up a work that was started about seven years ago. The entire thing was assessed; some areas were done and some others undone. We have to do a capital dredging to ensure that the required drought is reached, then the company will not start doing the maintenance dredging of it. We don’t up till now, know who’s going to do the capital dredging because we have been asked to procure the project and when it is done, we’ll call for the inaugural meeting very soon. I’m just waiting for certain things to be sorted out before we do that. The company, like I said, is already on ground and are approved by the government.

http://sunnewsonline.com/new/weve-blocked-revenue-leakages-in-ports-with-ict-habib-abdullahi-mdceo-npa-2/

missKiffy:
Baba give them igbo appointments o

they are not Nigerians,they are biafrans

bright007:
Buhari's plan is to northernize all major public offices in Nigeria and ultimately islamize Nigeria.




Hope the Duara paparrazi cattle rearer has his ministerial list ready because September is around the corner

Why are you so dull?.......definitely Buhari cattle have better brain than you.

NgeneUkwenu:
Very wrong move!

My faithful paddy why you talk so?

IYANGBALI:
they are not Nigerians,they are biafrans

Abi o

Appointing another ab*oki!

fyneguy:


Not wrong bro. Habibu was replaced so that Bayero would feign ignorance if asked about past dealings - ''Your Excellency, I am new here''. PMB reinstated Habibu so he could account for what happened. He may be fired thereafter.

If you are correct then I regard this move as a masterstroke!

the brainless vindictive old man at it again. i can assure u that when u are done by 2019 you would have no good name to fall back on just like the Abacha's. And like Gumsu Abacha, i can see Zahra Buhari having to defend your stupidity. Not too surprised thou since Abacha is Buhari's mentor i 'm only surprised that u fell into the trap that was set for u. A good leader should not be vindictive.

i still remember Marilyn Ogars case.

millionaireman:
One-man Government of Sack and Appoint. Where are the ministers that formulate policies?
Undemocratic for one man to run a government in a democracy. Two or more heads are sure better than one.

leave the President Buhari. sometimes i wonder if some pple have dust in their skull.

NgeneUkwenu:


That Abdullahi supervised and encouraged the rot in NPA! He made sure, no money was remitted to the Fed Government as he appropriated everything in the recurrent expenditure. What President should have done is, appointing a technocrat to run the agency!

exactly. but u need to understand with our president since he is not that smart (everyone knows anyway) and also he is possessed by the demon of vengeance .

NgeneUkwenu:


But the man is corruption personified! He should have appointed another person entirely! This is very wrong!

the need for vengeance would not allow buhari see beyond his nose

egobetatoday:


exactly. but u need to understand with our president since he is not that smart (everyone knows anyway) and also he is possessed by the demon of vengeance .

I really wanted to cause you but I got better things to do. Get your head examined e-Diot.

It appears Peter Obi of SEC might be nxt except his tenure has an enshrined term

ogundeleai:
Its expected because it was hurriedly put in place to either distract incoming administration or cause disaffection.. This development is not only a lesson to pass administration but also government in power.. A yoruba proverb say If you give a masqurade a goat you must aswell release the Rope.. An open mind administration ougth to have live some of the appointment for the new administration to decide.. Many of such appointment will still be reverse and it should not cause the poulace unaware or sleeplessness

for the past 12 years buhari used to think that governance was easy. now he has tasted it and he isnt coping well. Every leader needs the spirit of discernment. but u know, discernment and vendetta are opposites. Buhari chose one - vendetta!!
he should hav3 waited for the man to fomble first or he should have appointed a new technocrat but he thinks its time for him to retaliate. he thinks Nigeria is as small as his daura farm.

y re u sacking just one, sir sack all the directors inclusive, after that go to the nigerian custom, PHCN, CBN, aviation, sack as many as possible. Let us begin to c transparency in dis system @ least to a reasonable rate. Buhari u are the voice of the poor masses. Since dis pple want to remove food in our mouth.

ionsman:
Nice one my president. Revert all the nonsense Gej did where applicable. ..



If you are bitter, hug transformer. This time around you will be electrocuted because there is always power.

GOD BLESS GEJ. HIS WORK IS BEING RECOGNISED. SIR, YOU WILL ALWAYS REMAIN OUR HERO...HATERS CAN DO THE NEEDFUL

ECOTERRORS:
Buhari is busy paying his financiers with appointment. We are in for a Scammed CHANGE

You never voted him, did you?

sammyj:
Good. Baba should revert all appointments made by the clueless one !!!!

Especially those last few appointments. Sanusi Bayero was appointed by GEJ on May 9, 2015 in his last days. This couldn't have been on merit

NgeneUkwenu:
Very wrong move!

wow! am impressed.

ionsman:
Nice one my president. Revert all the nonsense Gej did where applicable. ..



If you are bitter, hug transformer. This time around you will be electrocuted because there is always power.

monkey, but your BABA IS CONFUSED !!!! hahahah

luvinhubby:
Wrong move.
The Bayero dynasty is not a one to be toyed with.

This is why we need a new Nigeria where no dynasty or name will matter. All Nigerian will have equal opportunity regardless of whereever you are from. Well done fearless PMB.

missKiffy:
Baba give them igbo appointments o

Check NNPC

jack67:
monkey, but your BABA IS CONFUSED !!!! hahahah

Okay.