NPA Allays Fears of Possible Operational Disruption Over Planned Ports Rehabilitation in Apapa, Tin Can Ports
Dantsoho, MD, NPA
• Rehabilitation exercise is a bold step by the FG, says ports landlord
By Francis Ugwoke
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that stakeholders need not worry about operational disruption during the planned rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
The ports landlord had earlier said the rehabilitation work is expected to begin on the second quarter of 2026.
However, the General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy Department of the NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemakara, while speaking recently, assured that the rehabilitation work will not affect port operations.
According to Onyemakara, the rehabilitation project is designed to be seamless, adding that no disruption in port operation will be witnessed for the 48 months of the exercise.
He said that the rehabilitation work would be carried out in batches in such a way that handling of all types of cargo in the terminals will not be interrupted.
The chief image maker of the organization explained that this is the best time to upgrade the seaports, stating that the exercise is a bold step by the Federal Government.
According to him, the government should be appreciated and given all the support in the current effort.
He said, “If Nigeria is to lead in maritime trade, it is critical that her seaports are modernised and capable of receiving larger, modern vessels.
“Some ports in West and Central Africa are already receiving larger vessels because they have modernised facilities. Most cargoes destined for other countries end up in Nigeria due to our population.”
Onyemakara called on the stakeholders to support the government in the plans to achieve seamless operations during the rehabilitation period.
He further assured, “The segmented approach was adopted to sustain seamless and undisrupted cargo operations so as to also ensure continued revenue generation for the government”.
It would be recalled that the federal government had entered into agreement with the British Steel company to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel under a contract valued at £70 million for the project.
Part of the agreement is to generate 236 million pounds in supplier contracts for British companies.
By Francis Ugwoke
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that stakeholders need not worry about operational disruption during the planned rehabilitation of the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.
The ports landlord had earlier said the rehabilitation work is expected to begin on the second quarter of 2026.
However, the General Manager, Corporate Communication and Strategy Department of the NPA, Ikechukwu Onyemakara, while speaking recently, assured that the rehabilitation work will not affect port operations.
According to Onyemakara, the rehabilitation project is designed to be seamless, adding that no disruption in port operation will be witnessed for the 48 months of the exercise.
He said that the rehabilitation work would be carried out in batches in such a way that handling of all types of cargo in the terminals will not be interrupted.
The chief image maker of the organization explained that this is the best time to upgrade the seaports, stating that the exercise is a bold step by the Federal Government.
According to him, the government should be appreciated and given all the support in the current effort.
He said, “If Nigeria is to lead in maritime trade, it is critical that her seaports are modernised and capable of receiving larger, modern vessels.
“Some ports in West and Central Africa are already receiving larger vessels because they have modernised facilities. Most cargoes destined for other countries end up in Nigeria due to our population.”
Onyemakara called on the stakeholders to support the government in the plans to achieve seamless operations during the rehabilitation period.
He further assured, “The segmented approach was adopted to sustain seamless and undisrupted cargo operations so as to also ensure continued revenue generation for the government”.
It would be recalled that the federal government had entered into agreement with the British Steel company to supply 120,000 tonnes of steel under a contract valued at £70 million for the project.
Part of the agreement is to generate 236 million pounds in supplier contracts for British companies.
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