Uba proposes a bill to scrap NPA, as NSC seeks more powers

The Senate is perfecting plans to transfer the powers of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) to a proposed Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority, led by a governing board to be headed by the Minister of Transport.

A bill, sponsored by Sen. Andy Uba proposes to repeal the NPA Act 2004 while the Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority will provide for the ownership, management and development of ports and harbours.

According to the proposed bill, privatisation will “ensure the integrity, efficiency and safety of the ports based on principles of accountability, competition, fairness and transparency, and encourage private sector participation in the provision of port services and infrastructure, promote and safeguard Nigeria’s competitiveness and trade objectives.”

 

Among others, the bill will establish “an authority which shall be vested with control and ownership of all ports and harbours on behalf of the Federal Government, transfer of the technical regulatory powers relating to ports authority, and transfer of the ownership of the land and assets relating to ports currently vested in the NPA to the authority.”

 

In a related development, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it needs to be empowered to give strong rules, guidelines and notices on maritime economy without having to face litigation.