NPA Woos Media, Unveils Robust Engagement Drive to Deepen Port Reforms, Digital Transformation

BY FRONTLINE REPORTERS

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reaffirmed its resolve to modernise Nigeria’s seaports through sweeping digital reforms and infrastructure upgrades, while seeking a stronger partnership with the media to drive public understanding and support for the transformation agenda reshaping the nation’s maritime sector.
The General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, stated this while receiving members of the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP), who paid him a courtesy visit.
He said the Authority remains committed to building globally competitive ports through technology-driven operations, transparency and sustained stakeholder engagement, stressing that journalists have a critical role to play in communicating the gains of the ongoing reforms to Nigerians.
According to Onyemekara, flagship initiatives such as the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system were introduced in line with international best practices to eliminate long-standing operational bottlenecks, improve cargo movement, restore sanity to port access roads and boost the overall efficiency of port operations.
He admitted that every major reform naturally attracts resistance, particularly from individuals and groups who benefited from the inefficiencies of the old system, but insisted that the NPA would not relent in pursuing initiatives capable of repositioning Nigerian ports for global competitiveness.
“The reforms are in the national interest. We want everyone to understand what we are doing, why we are doing it and the immense benefits they will bring to the economy. There will be extensive stakeholder engagement before, during and after the implementation of our port modernisation programme,” he said.
Onyemekara disclosed that the Authority is finalising a comprehensive media engagement strategy that will ensure journalists receive timely information and first-hand access to ongoing projects, including guided visits to project sites to appreciate the scale and impact of the modernisation programme.
He noted that although the NPA is not a law enforcement agency, it has continued to collaborate closely with security and traffic management authorities to address the persistent congestion along port access corridors, describing the challenge as one that directly affects operational efficiency and Nigeria’s image as a preferred maritime destination.
Drawing comparisons with leading ports across the world, Onyemekara observed that several advanced maritime nations temporarily suspend truck movements whenever congestion reaches critical levels, emphasising that effective traffic management remains indispensable to efficient port operations.
He cited the impressive performance of the Lekki Deep Sea Port as proof that automation, modern infrastructure and efficient management can significantly enhance cargo throughput, reduce vessel turnaround time and improve the competitiveness of Nigerian ports within the global maritime industry.
Speaking on port development across the country, the NPA spokesman explained that infrastructure investments are largely influenced by cargo volumes and commercial demand, noting that Lagos remains the nation’s busiest maritime gateway because it serves Nigeria’s largest commercial market.
He, however, assured that the Authority is equally committed to expanding port capacity beyond Lagos through strategic investments in the eastern ports and by encouraging private sector participation in the development of deep seaports nationwide.
According to him, approved deep seaport projects in Badagry, Ibaka and Olokola have progressed beyond the approval stage, with investors now expected to commence full-scale implementation.
Onyemekara commended maritime journalists for their professionalism and consistent support in projecting the activities of the Authority, describing the media as indispensable partners in promoting transparency, strengthening public confidence and advancing sustainable reforms in the maritime industry.
He assured CONMMEP members of continued access to information and regular engagement as the NPA intensifies efforts to modernise Nigeria’s ports, improve efficiency, attract investment and deliver world-class port services.
Earlier, President of CONMMEP, Mr. Udo Onyeka, praised the NPA for its unwavering support towards the growth of the association and the advancement of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He noted that the Authority’s ongoing digital transformation, infrastructure renewal and operational reforms have continued to yield measurable results, with major ports including Apapa and Tin Can Island earning recognition in recent global port performance rankings.
Onyeka reaffirmed CONMMEP’s commitment to partnering with the NPA in promoting factual, balanced and development-focused maritime journalism, while pledging the association’s support for the successful implementation of the Authority’s ambitious port modernisation agenda and other strategic initiatives designed to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa.