NPA discount for vessels berthing in Eastern ports not nearly enough

The Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has just announced a 10 per cent discount on harbour dues in all concessioned terminals at the Eastern ports.

This is a step in the right direction. But it is not nearly enough.

All maritime policies that have made Lagos overcrowded while making the Eastern port cities empty of port operations need to be dismantled.

Those policies have turned out to be counterproductive and of no benefit to anyone.

The gridlock that often locks down Lagos is largely as a result of those maritime policies that have birthed over-concentration of port activities in Lagos.

A comprehensive overhaul is the only way we can maximize our maritime potentials in this country.

Also, we must not lose sight of the equally important need to make the harbours outside Lagos deeper and the waters safer.