NPA to improve operational services in 2019

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has determined to intensify more efforts for efficient productivity, this disclosure was made recently by the Managing Director of the organization, Hadiza Bala Usman and her management renewed vigour at improving on its operational records most especially in the new year. 
The released report from the new General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr Adams Jatto revealed the Managing Director ‘s assurance to terminal operators and port users on her open door policy to all Maritime players in other to eradicate challenges that might surface, with a view for better service delivery 
Usman promise port users of management’s decision towards decongestion and evacuation of cargoes from the Nigerian ports to the hinterlands and other land locked neighbours to ensure free flow of doing good business. 
The NPA boss therefore informed that  management has entered into synergy with notable establishments such as the  Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing in respect of the reconstruction of dilapidated roads within the port domain for Ease Of Doing Business. 
“Management has also assured all that it would sustain and step up in the culture of efficiency and transparency”
Hadiza Usman noted that it has institutionalized structures as a to driving force for the this dream to be achieved to enable the launch of the Revenue Income Management System (RIMS), which is a web based billing and revenue collection application fully automated for the entire billing circle of the NPA amongst others, she said. 
“The Authority will harp on improved collaboration with sister agencies towards growth and more seamless operation in the Ports environments with the intent of reducing human contacts. 
”It is therefore of note that management has concluded plans to parley with the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) for quick facilitation of the Single Window platform aimed at simplifying and harmonizing formalities, procedures and related exchange of information which will be a major priority in 2019. 
She however, assured willing investors of the authority ‘s readiness for renewed determination to attract investments to the Ports across the country through better infrastructural development in other to improve the nation economy.
Usman maintained that, there had been constant dredging of the Channels to attain the expected draught level for incoming vessels at our Ports to encourage investors. 
“Management assures all of its unflinching support in building on the successes of the Sector towards the growth and Development of the nation especially in the area of Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and economic rebound in the near future.
It stated that cargo owners are advised to take advantage of the recent regime of incentives including the downward review of charges to ameliorate their financial burden, these include a regime of three free days to twenty one free days, for the next four months, adding that the demurrage free period on the return of the empty containers has been increased from the current 5days period to fifteen days