July 02, (THEWILL) – The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority has clarified that the Calabar Port remains active and viable.
The Port Manager, Olumati Festus, made this known in Calabar when a 190 feet long general cargo berth.
The cargo, MV Value Tyler, set sail from Singapore and arrived at Calabar Port at about 1900hrs on Thursday evening.
The Cargo, which is the largest ship to berth at the Port and had onboard about 204 trucks and at least 22,000 cubic metres of general cargo especially pipes.
Speaking on the ground breaking feat, Olumati Festus, the Port Manager, said the berth MV Value Tyler, has debunked the rumour that the port is dead.
The Port Manager said MV Value Tyler’s arrival in Calabar Port is a breakthrough and underscores the viability of the port.
He attributed the success recorded thus far to the support given to it by the Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko.
In his words, “The significance of the berthing of this vessel is to tell the world that the Calabar Port is not dead, but active.
“Also that the rumour going on that nothing is happening in Calabar Port is completely false.
“The length of this vessel is 190 feet, which has never happened in recent times in Calabar Port. The cargo on board is 204 trucks, 22,000 cubic metres of general cargo, especially pipes.
“I was sent to Calabar by the Managing Director, Bello Koko, to revive the port and source for customers.
“In the managing director’s wisdom, he has graciously given us equipment, materials, everything to go and work.
“He has also given us a pilot cutter, which will be commissioned tomorrow and we are very happy with him”, he said.
He added that the implication of the berthing of MV Value Tyler in the port is that the vessel will generate revenue to indigenes and create employment.
He said the concessionaire, ECO Marine, is doing a lot to bring shipping lines to the terminal and the port has started receiving vessels on a monthly basis.
On his part, Engr. Edward Akpan, the general manager of ECM Terminals, thanked the NPA management for their support to ensure the Calabar Port thrives.
He said the general cargo vessel is meant for one of its clients, who see the Calabar Port as its preferred terminal, based on service delivery.
He said they have a crop of professionals handling the terminal, as well as its operations, emphasising that the “Calabar Port is working against the flying news that it is not viable.
“With the support of the NPA in every angle, we will make the Calabar Port the home for anyone that wants to come”, he said.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
