By GODWIN ORITSE
FINANCE Minister and Economic Coordinator of the economy, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, has said that the Federal Government has decided to provide facilities and infrastructure at the nation’s sea ports with a view to maximizing the economic gains from port operations.

Speaking to newsmen in Lagos recently, Okonjo Iweala stated that part of the moves to create an enabling environment for efficient cargo delivery was the clearance of truck and tankers from the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway.

The Minister explained that the rail tracks leading to the ports are next in line to be rehabilitated for easy movement of goods in and out of the ports.

Okonjo-Iweala who was on a tour of port facilities in the Lagos area, stated that  an efficient port system will bring about  economic prosperity  as more  job opportunities will be created for Nigerians

The Minister who was accompanied by both the Ministers of Works, Arc.Mike Oziegbe Onolememen and Transport, Senator Idris Umar,disclosed that the Lagos State Government has also been part of the project to make the ports function better, adding that  every body must contribute to the economic prosperity of the country.

She commended the Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola, for the support he gave the Task Force on Port De-congestion which has resulted in the free movement of vehicles on the Apapa-Oshodi expressway.

Explaining further, Okonjo-Iweala said that because the President is interested in making the ports work, the Task Force was set up to create an enabling environment for port users.

Her words “ The President set up the Task Force which includes all of us as a team to try and work to improve port operations and this sensitization process working with his excellency the Governor of Lagos State and his commissioners is to try and make the port work better, faster and you can see what has been accomplished.

“We need to clean the place, repair the bridges and  get the whole place in order so that we can have a more orderly passage of traffic for port users and people around the port area”

“We hope to continue  with it so that we can sanitize the area for port users to be able to move their goods in and out of the port.

“We will also activate the rail, strengthen the bridges and repair the roads because that is why we are here with the Ministers of works and transport”

The Minister also disclosed that her team is also meeting with other relevant stakeholders like shipping companies, terminal operators, Nigeria Customs Service, Freight forwarders  transporters and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) with a view to carrying them along in the process of making the ports more efficient and cost effective.

Also speaking in similar vein, Transport Minister Senator Idris Umar said that his ministry will give the necessary support in making the nation’s ports work better.