By Anne Ejuka
The Acting Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko has affirmed the commitment and determination of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to improve on the welfare of Seafarers in the country for improved and efficient service delivery to the growth of the country, noting that their positive role and contribution to the growth of international trade cannot be ignored.
The MD made this remark during a presentation of NPA's goodwill message at the 2021 World Maritime Day celebration with the theme; “Seafarers at the core of Shipping Future” organized by the Federal Ministry of Transportation in Lagos. noted that their positive role and contribution to the growth of international trade cannot be ignored.
According to the statement released by the General Manager, Strategic and Corporate Communications, Mr Olaseni Alakija, the MD saluted the steadfastness of these seafarers in providing succour in the movement and transfer of goods and services globally to various areas in the face of various challenges they encounters on the sea.
While charging Stakeholders to make available a friendly environment to the Seafearers in view of the critical role they play in the lives of the Nigerian nation; noting the numerous unforseen challenges they would be facing in the nearest future in the discharge of the duties on Sea, the MD said the theme of this year’s celebration captures the essence of the professionalism showcased by the seafarers even in the face of the covid-19 pandemic threats under which they strive for excellence.
The managing director challenged stakeholders to be more contributive in ensuring that global ports operations are economically friendly and effort should be in unison towards the actualization of world ports sustainability.