Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commissioned 11/33KV and 3.5MVA injection substation that directly links the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) in Onne Port to the national grid with the sole aim of cutting the cost of power generation in the port, which impacts on the cost of doing business.
The commissioning, which took place during the maiden visit of the newly appointed managing director of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to Onne Port, was described as the first step in addressing the concerns and challenges of Onne Port by the Federal Government, as power was identified as a major hindrance to seamless port operation.
Speaking during the commissioning of the electricity project, Bala Usman said the commissioning would ensure 24 hours electricity supply in Onne Port.
Bala Usman, who said that government is also looking at ways of covering revenue leakages at the Ports, added that all revenues collected at the various ports in the country, must be paid to Federal Government. The NPA boss hinted that the Authority is taking the lead in pursuance of transparency and anti corruption measures of the Federal Government.
Alhassan Ismaila Abubakar, the Onne Port Manager, who commended the connection of FOT in Onne Port to the national grid, also said the project would improve the operational efficiency of the Port and the security of property and consignment in Onne Port.
The Port Manager further said that the Oil and Gas status of Onne Port shows that the Port is dealing with a small but significant group of International Oil Companies (IOCs). He noted that Onne Port is committed to creating an enabling business environment that ensures safety and security of key deliverable for Port Authority.
AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE
