Nigerian Ports Key to Regional Trade Integration—Hadiza
Hadiza Bala Usman
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Hadiza Bala Usman has said that Nigerian ports are critical to regional integration of trade, even as she urged Nigerian farmers to develop cultivation of export based produce in order to make Nigeria an exporting nation rather than importation.
Usman stated this on Wednesday at a symposium to mark NPA Special Day at the ongoing 41st Kaduna International Trade Fair.
Usman, who was represented by Hassan Danjuma, General Manager of the organization stressed that Nigeria must consolidate on its economic strength to lead regional integration and development.
She noted that regional integration through trade could not be achieved independent of seaports, adding that NPA would pursue policies and programmes to enhance performance of seaports in the country.
She said: “Friendly and competitive, the essence is to make our seaports a preferred destination in West and Central Africa sub regions as well as Africa.”
Usman also urged farmers to develop cultivation of export based produce to tune the pendulum from import to export base economy.
According to her, the Authority has initiated viable programmes to encourage cooperation with international business community, to achieve the objectives of the Federal Government policy on ease of doing business in seaports.
The MD reiterated commitment to make seaports efficient and secure so as to contribute toward sustainable economic development and called for collective efforts in making seaports a pride to the nation.
