Port Harcourt port bounces back,  vehicles ladden RoRo vessels take lead

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The  Port Harcourt port in Rivers State is set once more to restore vessel traffic to the Eastern Ports by September when it will start to receive Roll on/Roll off (RoRo) vessel that will bring in mainly vehicles to the port.

Against all odds, it is the belief that the global novel coronavirus may have eased off to enable full international and local business activities resume by September.

According to the  comptroller of Customs, Area One command, Awwal Baba Mohammed, when operational, about 5,000 vehicles are billed to discharge at the port monthly.

Ro-Ro vessels are designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as cars, trucks, semi-trailer trucks, trailers, and railroad cars, they are usually loaded with automobiles.

The vessels operations will in no small measure increase the revenue base of Rivers port in particular and boost revenue base of the Eastern areas and help reduce traffic jams and chaos on the notorious Lagos Apapa Port

Mohammed receiving Peterside in his office

The Controller assured that by September when the hitherto dormant  ports would be in full operation again, the vehicles would start to arrive in Port Harcourt.

Mohammed said they are ready to make clearing activiies at the port easy and quicker at the resumption of business

He mentioned some of the measures being initiated to reduce tension in eastern ports, and also raise the spirit and professional mood of officers at all  times, assuring adequate welfare.

The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority had early in the year introduced  ten Percent (10%) discount on harbour dues on some categories of cargoes berthing at the eastern ports as part of its reform measures.

The deployment of equipment and machinery to improve operational efficiency, constant engagement with stakeholders towards achieving industrial harmony and peaceful co-existence and conversations with shipping companies.

The NPA further engaged the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure the rehabilitation of roads access to and from ports in the Eastern region, as well as working with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) and the Port Police Command to combat crimes on the nation’s waterways.

To this end, Tami Evelyn Peterside, has been posted to the Eastern Ports command, with assurance to Customs and other stakeholders of synergy with her command  towards achieving effective service delivery at the port.