Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), praised a newly inaugurated project during its opening ceremony on Monday, highlighting its potential to enhance the ease of doing business in Nigeria. Financed and managed by Beachland Consultium Ltd. (BCTL), consisting of three companies, the project aims to bolster business activities and global trade practices in Nigeria. Bello-Koko, represented by Mr. Sylvester Egede, Port Manager at Tincan, emphasized the project’s alignment with NPA’s strategy to foster new businesses and promote multimodal transport in line with global standards.
Acknowledging the project’s significance in improving inland traffic to and from Nigerian ports, Bello-Koko emphasized the need to capitalize on opportunities to deepen port competitiveness and cater to the country’s growing demographic needs. He commended BCTL’s management for their foresight and reaffirmed NPA’s commitment to supporting local investors.
Mr. Joseph Akolo, Managing Director of BCTL, assured seamless customs and terminal services to prevent delays and congestion, highlighting the infrastructure’s capability to handle both barges and ships, thereby enhancing efficiency and customer service.
Mr. Godwin Ebrimoni, Group General Manager of BCTL, underscored the uniqueness of the newly inaugurated jetty and terminal, emphasizing its role in connecting two other port commands to create a network of three. Mr. Ajibola Ogunsiji, Chairman of Joatelim, appealed for support from regulatory agencies to ensure the successful operation of the facility, which is expected to create over 1,500 jobs.
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), pledged to enforce laws and regulations for smooth operations, while the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, assured support from the Nigerian Customs Service.
Comptroller Martina Tilley-Gyado, Customs Area Controller of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command (KLTC), praised the project, highlighting its significance as the first jetty with the opportunity to berth a ship.
Earlier, the guest speaker, Prof. Afeisimi Badaiki, who highlighted the significance of jetties and container terminals for marine and land operations, called infrastructure development for improved business operations.
He urged regulatory agencies to effectively enforce and implement existing laws and regulations for smooth operations, while checking activities of unlicensed operators.
He also called for infrastructure development to further enhance smooth operations of jetties and ease of doing business in the nation
