The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) and the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) have revived their long -existed formal relationship, with hopes for improved ports competitiveness as critical issues receive desired attention.
Both parties would be looking at critical needs areas that demand actions for immediate, short-term as well as long-term results to sustain customer satisfaction while service providers operate within global standard business environment.
The new development took place on Wednesday when the NPCC Chairman; Mr. Bolaji Sunmola led a delegation of some members of the Council on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of STOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup, in her office in Lagos.
While the NPCC appreciated Princess Haastrup for her immense contributions toward the successful funeral programme of the former NPCC Chairman, Otunba Kunle Folarin, the STOAN Chairperson expressed her delight over the visit as she noted the importance of the formal relationship with the NPCC.
“The visit was essentially to re-establish our old relationship with STOAN. In her appreciation, she said she knows what we stand for and what STOAN would gain from NPCC with regards to port operation matters.
“She said that STOAN is happy that we are back and because they know that the Council aims for port development through strategic planning and policy implementation and our basic practice of sustainability,” Mr. Sunmola said. “Princess Haastrup values the fostering of industrial collaboration and that is what they are looking forward to in relating with the NPCC,” he added.
Highlighting further discussions on port operations, investments and ensuring regulatory compliance, the STOAN chairperson disclosed that she just got back from a trip to China where they went to market the nation’s Ports over there, to enable the ports get more patronage and increase cargo throughput in Nigeria.
“STOAN is ready to work closely with NPCC, and we reiterated the core of what we do; Arbitration and advisory. She said the importance of the NPCC within the confines of the port system is acknowledged and they want the tradition to continue,” the NPCC Chairman said.
The NPCC and STOAN plan another meeting by early 2025 for detailed discussions considering issues relating to port operations.
Present with the NPCC chairman at the meeting were Prof. Bamidele Badejo, Mr. Basil Opara, Captain Iheanacho Ebubeogu, Mr. Patrick Ezedinmbu, and Mr.Olanipekun Michael, while representatives of the ENL were Mr. Mark Walsh and Mr.Boye Uzamot.
