NPA looks to UK for export of Nigerian produce, infrastructure development

Determined to open-up new business frontiers for the nation’s port industry, the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) has commenced an interface with the United Kingdom trade and investment group through the British Council, with the aim of opening more trade routes that would create market for the exportation of agricultural produce and solid mineral resources.
In a statement signed by Iheanacho Ebubeogu, general manager, public affairs, Hadiza Usman, managing director of NPA, who received the visiting team of UK trade team, told the visitors that management was desirous of working with parties on improving the volume of cargo into the country, which has reduced significantly due to the economic downturn currently being witnessed in the country.
Usman, who solicited for the support of the UK group in the areas of infrastructural development, especially in rehabilitating roads leading to the nation’s seaports, affirmed that the port played a significant role in the facilitation of trade.
According to Usman, government has interest in the swift evacuation of cargo, especially agricultural produce and solid minerals from the North-East hinterland to the near-by ports like Calabar Port. She solicited for technical assistance in the areas of project management as well as improving on the existing rail lines within the port terminals.
“NPA management is cooperating with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to create more rail lines for the swift evacuation of Cargo and efficient service delivery to the hinterland. Over 50 percent of cargoes from the ports need to go through the rail in order to guide against port congestion and ease pressure on the access roads leading to the ports,” she stated.
Velerie Agodo, leader of the UK team, said they were an international conglomerate with vast interest and concerns in joint ventures (JVs) and partnerships globally, adding that they were interested in working in unison with NPA management.
She said they were in the scheme of ensuring that organisations like NPA achieve government’s desire of a greater and efficient regime, especially as it concerned diversification into export of agricultural produce that would boost the economy.