The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been awarded the “Best Maritime Agency of the Year 2022” as the industry regulator weeks after receiving an international award for transparency in its port operations.
The award, according to the board and editors of Daily Telegraph Publishing Company Limited, publishers of New Telegraph newspapers, is in recognition of the bold steps taken by the NPA under the leadership of Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko to root out systemic corruption and other criminal practices. in the country’s seaports.
Reacting to the honour, the Director General of the NPA, Mr. Bello Koko Mohammed, said that the recognition of the authority’s initiatives to equip Nigerian ports for greater efficiency is appreciated and can only encourage the agency to continue to push the boundaries of trade facilitation.
Receiving the award on behalf of the NPA, Executive Director Marine & Operations, Hon Onari Brown said the award will motivate the NPA to do better.
“I thank the organizers of the award for this and on behalf of the staff and management of the NPA, we appreciate this award.”
However, a letter addressed to the CEO of NPA and signed by the Managing Director/Editor, Mr. Ayodele Aminu, stated: “Following the challenging operating environment, there is a need to identify, assess and to continuously reward and organizations that have made their mark in their sector.
“As one of the maritime agencies in the country, the Ports Authority of Nigeria under your leadership has had such a significant impact on port development in the country that Nigerians believe that sooner rather than later the port industry of the country would become the most attractive maritime cluster in the country. West Africa.
“Furthermore, with your bold steps to root out systemic corruption and other criminal practices in the country’s seaports, it is believed that Nigerian seaports under your leadership will become the first choice for shipping companies, shipping agents, importers and exporters, customs clearance agents, among others.
“These positive changes to the country’s port sector will drive: rapid vessel turnaround, reduced cargo dwell time, efficient service delivery, training of labor in the port, change positive in the Nigerian port ecosystem, making cargo clearance simpler, faster and market-friendly. .”
