NEWS
Lilypond to Process, Handle all Non-oil Export, says Koko
From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
To ease the bureaucratic and logistical bottlenecks obstructing exporters and promote access to Nigeria’s non-oil exports in the international markets, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has affirmed Lilypond Container Terminal, Lagos as a specialised processing and handling facility for locally finished and agricultural goods.
NPA Managing Director, Mr.
Mohammed Bello-Koko, who stated this at the 43rd Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna State, disclosed that the Lilypond would offer exporters a one-stop space for transactions at a reduced cost and time, thereby increasing their profit margin and competitiveness in the international market.Also, he disclosed towards positioning Nigerian seaports as the preferred cargo destination in the West Africa, the NPA “has led the campaign for the actualisation of the first-of-its-kind Lekki Deep Seaport, which has reached 81 per cent completion stage,” which will begin operations in the last quarter of the year,
“The Lekki Deep Seaport is designed to be the deepest port in West Africa and will be a significant game-changer in Nigeria’s maritime economy. This multi-purpose port is expected to generate over 170,000 direct and indirect jobs when completed.”
According to him, the fair’s 2022 theme: “Re-strategising Nigerian Economy for Global Competitiveness,” underscores the Federal Government’s agenda on diversifying the economy from hydrocarbons by focusing on industrial development, especially local manufacturing and large scale food production.
The NPA, he added, has initiated several strategies to maximise the movement of non-oil exports across the country’s borders. Among them, “we are currently discussing with terminal operators to give priority to exportation of agricultural produce and solid minerals.
“This will stimulate our domestic economy, create thousands of jobs and increase the revenue profile of government at all levels,” a statement by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Nasiru, cited him as saying.
According to him, the Nigerian port industry remains a prime economic driver, mindful that 85 per cent of the country’s trade volume is handled through the port. Therefore, “maritime transport remains the main gateway to the global marketplace,” he added.
Koko said the NPA’s huge role as custodian of ports necessitates its continuous participation at such trade exhibitions because “ocean ports are central and necessary components in facilitating trade among nations. Ports are catalysts for economic development, as they enable trade and support supply chains.”
He expressed the belief that being the largest economy on the continent, Nigeria should be the hub of international trade in Africa.
“If we can harness those immense talents of our huge, enterprising, intelligent and determined youths, along with the vast array of natural resources we are endowed with, Nigeria will be among the first world countries in a decade,” he stated.
Meanwhile, to encourage quick and easy processing of imports, the Authority has begun the implementation of the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) in conjunction with sister-agencies to engender transparency and efficiency, and reduce the cost of doing business at the port.
The manual outlines the harmonised Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of agencies operating in the maritime industry, and will foster a very conducive environment for port users, streamline inspection and examination of cargo, check exploitation and corrupt tendencies by service providers, among other benefits.
Commending the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) for another successful edition, Koko urged the body to brace up for the digital economy, and to join in marketing the economic benefits of the Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) to the state’s business community.
The dry port will help bring shipping services closer to business owners and residents of Kaduna, as it can handle both import and export cargoes.
In his welcome remarks, KADCCIMA President, Suleiman Aliyu, described NPA as the artery of the nation’s economy in view of its strategic role in trade facilitation and provision of access for businesses to trade across international borders.
He noted that Nigeria recently signed an agreement that would enhance the flow of goods between Nigeria and Chad.
The Chief Consultant of Global Transport Policy (GTP), Dr Segun Musa, has urged the organised labour to pay attention to other laws and policies of governments aside those relating to salary and fuel.
Musa said this on Friday in Lagos State during a one-day training on emotional intelligence and leadership skills for leaders of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), Lagos State chapters.
He said that the purpose of the training for labour leaders was because they led the workforce of Nigeria.
” I see you as a formidable team that can change the arrative of Nigeria. The role you play is crucial. You must train those coming behind you on labour matters.
“Organised labour must not be seen as if it is only when there is increase in fuel price or issues with worker’s salary that the settled in.
“Government brings out policies regularly, you must x-ray and speak to the issues by giving out constructive advice.
“Even when the policy does not affect the workforce, once it affects any sector of the economy and persons, it should be of concern to you,” he urged.
The GTP chief further said that the organised labour should also be interested in laws enacted by the national and state assemblies.
Musa called for attitudinal change by operators in all sectors of the economy, saying that development would be facilitated with the right attitudes by all players.
He said that the training, the fifth in a series, was part of GTP’s efforts to improve relationships between workers and organisations in the general interest of Nigeria.
The Vice Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Lagos State Chapter, Mr Olabisi Idowu, said that the workshop was welcome and timely.
“We need the training as labour leaders. The main subject of the training is emotional intelligence.
“How we can improve the economic situation in the country as leaders with emotional intelligence is good.
“For us to embark on any struggle now as labour leaders, I am well-informed on what to do and what to say to members and managements of organisations,” he said.
Mr Gbenga Okundayo, Chairman of TUC in Lagos State, commended GTP for the training on conflict resolution and leadership with emphasis on emotional intelligence.
” it is very important that we improve on our emotional intelligence and leadership skills. We manage our feelings first before we can manage others’.
” It is emotional intelligence that will tell you what to do, how to do it and where and when to do it.
“We are going to escalate this training for other leaders and members in Lagos,” he said.
Report says that about 40 labour leaders attended the training. (NAN)
The Defence Headquarters says troops have eliminated 101 terrorists, apprehended a terrorist commander, Usman Maisaje, and 182 others in different operations across the country in the last one week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on the operations of the armed forces on Friday in Abuja.
Buba said the troops also rescued 157 kidnapped hostages, adding that Maisaje was a close associate of a wanted high profile terrorist leader, Kachalla Boka.
According to him, the arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much needed information for further operations.
He said that the troops recovered 71 assorted weapons, and 1,463 assorted ammunition comprising 50 AK-47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, five dane guns, five pump action guns and 16 AK-47 magazines.
“Others are 784 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 403 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 164 rounds 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 53 rounds of 9mm ammo, 67 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones amongst other items.”
In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised 54 terrorists, apprehended 71 suspects and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages within the week.
He added that troops recovered cache of arms, while a total of 74 terrorists comprising 7 adult males, 17 adult females and 44 children surrendered within the theatre of operations.
He said the air component conducted air interdiction on terrorists hibernating in Bukar Meram around Tumbuns, neutralising several terrorists while their structures and logistics were destroyed.
In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 12 violent extremists, arrested 42 violent extremists, and rescued 56 kidnapped hostages.
In the North West, he said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, eliminated 28 terrorists, arrested 57 terrorists and rescued 44 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered large cache of weapons.
He added that the air component also conducted air interdictions on notorious terrorists kingpin, Malam Yaddi, enclave and terrorists hibernating in enclaves at Jan Birnin in Birni Gwari area of Kaduna State killing several.
In the Niger Delta, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 60 illegal refining sites with four dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums and 38 storage tanks.
He added that 55 cooking ovens, two speedboats, one tricycle, six mobile phones, and vehicles were recovered.
He said the troops also recovered 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil, 76,800 litres of illegally refined diesel as well as arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft.
In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised seven terrorists, apprehended 12 violent extremists and rescued 18 kidnapped hostages within the week.
“The military will not relent on its plan to kill terrorists and destroy the infrastructure that support them.
“We will increasingly degrade the terrorist military capability and effectiveness through our operations,” he said. (NAN)
The Naira strengthened on Friday, closing the week at N1,600.78 to the dollar in the official market.
Data from the FMDQ Exchange, which oversees the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM), showed that the Naira appreciated by N59.71, a 3.59 per cent gain compared to Thursday’s rate of N1,660.
49 per dollar.Also, total daily turnover increased to 350.
72 million dollars on Friday, up from 330. 18 million dollars on Thursday.At the Investors and Exporters (I&E) window, the Naira traded between N1,671.50 and N1,592 against the dollar.(NAN)
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