- FG Blames Low Patronage of Niger Delta Ports on Insecurity
The Federal Government has decried the low patronage of seaports in the Niger Delta region, blaming the trend on insecurity caused by the activities of sea pirates.
The Acting Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Mr. Chidi Izuwa, faulted the claim in some quarters that high charges at the seaports in region were responsible for the low patronage.
Izuwa spoke in Port Harcourt during a visit to seaports in Rivers State to assess the compliance level of port concessionaires with the agreements reached over the management of the facilities.
He expressed the determination of the Federal Government to put measures in place towards improving the level of patronage of the seaports by enhancing the smooth running of operations at the facilities.
The ICRC DG pointed out that all identified challenges facing the seaports would be presented to the relevant authorities.
He stated, “As an agency of the Federal Government, which takes custody of all concessionary agreements between the government the private sector and ensure efficient execution, we are here on a monitoring visit to see if those agreements are met.
“The challenges they have are similar – the issue of dredging of the channels and low throughput in terms of economic activities. The port has been maintained by the concessionaires. The private companies have done investments in the port.
“More needs to be done on the development plan that was released by the government. Security is very important. If vessels are coming here and vessels and people are attacked, they will not want to come again.”
Izuwa added, “This is a challenge that is affecting the ports in this region and not the issue of high charges. Security is a very expensive thing. It is important that we tell our people that without security, our businesses cannot prosper.”
