Port manager explains value of security in transactions
By Sammy Nwogu
The Port Manager of Port Harcourt Port Complex, Mr. Dele Alabi has identified certain key issues as challenges militating against the growth of activities at the port.
Speaking in Port Harcourt last week at a one-day sensitisation seminar on the Economic Imperative of Teviving Eastern Ports, Mr. alibi harped on the importance of safety and security along the channels for easy flow of direct investment, adding that, reduction of bureaucracy in the system would also enhance speedy development of the port.
Speaking on the topic, “The Peculiar changes in Port Harcourt Port”, Mrs. E. N. Ezeoke who represented the port manager said the establishment of Nigeria Coast Guard to check piracy and other mid-stream crimes will go a long way in boosting activities at the port.
However, he lamented the barbaric behaviour of the host communities who, according to him, continually encroached on the premises of the port, noting that areas been encroached by land owners were proposed areas for port expansion.
Mr. Alabi said the rehabilitation of the access roads and rail network leading to the port would serve as inter-face or link to other states to boost trade and agricultural production for export promotion.
He suggested the need for new access roads to the port, considering the traffic situation in Port Harcourt metropolis.
Supporting the position of the port manager, other participants at the seminar noted the need for agencies working at the port to inter-face and streamline their working relationship for better flow of clearing activities.
Emphasis was also placed on the dredging of Bonny channel which, for now, was about six metres draft to about ten metres to allow big vessels sail safely through the ocean.
