Nigeria: NPA, USAID to Foster Mutual Economic Cooperation

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Malam Habib Abdullahi has expressed the preparedness of the Authority to partner with the United States Agency for International Development on economic activities that will be mutually beneficial to Nigeria and the United States of America (USA).

The Managing director spoke in Lagos while receiving a delegation of the Agency which paid him a courtesy visit in his office recently. Malam Habib Abdullahi told his guests that Nigerian Ports Authority as a gateway to the nation’s economy plays an important role in the development of major sectors of the Nigerian economy and therefore will always seize any opportunity that will further enhance its capability.

He added that even though the main operation of cargo handling and delivery has been handed over to concessionaires after the ports reforms, the Authority still handles pilotage and towage services, dredging of the channels, laying of buoys, wrecks removal for safe navigation, provision of ports infrastructure and other common user facilities.

He further told the delegation that the Authority controls the ports in Lagos, Warri, Port Harcourt, Calabar and Onne. Responding, the leader of the delegation Mr. Micheal Harvey said the delegation decided to visit the Authority because it recognises it as the heart of Nigeria which is needed as a partner to the (USAID). He said the Agency is willing to help the Authority in any capacity it deems appropriate. Other members of the USAID delegation include Deputy Director Economic Growth & Environment Office Mr. Skip Kissinger, Bath Mbamadu and Project Manager of USAID Imeh Okon.

The Authority team comprises the Executive Director, Marine and Operation, Engineer David Omonibeke, Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Arc. Mohammed Saleh, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Olumide Oduntan, General Manager New Ventures and Business Development, Mrs Ugo Madubuike Special Assistant to the Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Buhari, Asst. General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Musa Iliya. Musa Iliya Asst. General Manager, Public Affairs For: General Manager, Public Affairs

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Press Release, December 31, 2013