Port Digitalisation: NPA Source $800million Loan to Rehabilitate Four Major Ports
Muhammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director of NPA
The Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko has said that the rehabilitation of four ports in the country will gulp $800 million.
The ports according to him are; Tin Can Island Port, Apapa Port in Lagos, Onne Port in Rivers State, rehabilitation of the Escravos breakwaters in Warri Port and the Calabar Port in Cross River.
Bello-Koko spoke at the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) Europe and Africa 2023 Regional meeting which held on Thursday, February 16, covered by Persecondnews with the Vice-President of both regions, Jens Meier (Europe) and Micheal Luguje (Africa) — hosting IAPH members CEO’s to a top level discussions.
According to the NPA boss, the $800 million loan facility will be repayable in a seven- year period once secured. He also stressed the fact that the loan is still being worked out.
“The loan is repayable in a seven-year period, and this will help in the achieving the digitalization of all ports in Nigeria,’’
He also said the NPA is also looking at the option of the project being funded by the authority but that will reduce its contribution to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).
He said the rehabilitation would help in achieving the digitalization of all ports in Nigeria as port rehabilitation and remedial works are no more effective.
“The rehabilitation of Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, Apapa Port in Lagos, Onne Port in Rivers State, rehabilitation of the Escravos breakwaters in Warri Port and the Calabar Port in Cross River will cost $800 million.
The NPA boss also stressed on the impact of the collaboration between the government and private sector partnership and the gains to the Nigerian ports.
He disclosed that the collaboration gave birth to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Nigeria’s deepest seaport with an initial depth of 16.5m, noting that after the completion of the third phase the depth will be 20.5m.
