PCC,NRC Move To strengthen Age Long Relationship To Address Port Challenges

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PCC,NRC Move To strengthen Age Long Relationship To Address Port Challenges

L-R Managing Director Nigerian Railway Corporation NRC,Engr.Fidet Edentalen Okhiria,and the Chairman,NPCC, Mr.Bolaji Sunmola

By Frank Odinukaeze

In a significant move to tackle longstanding issues at the ports, the Port Consultative Council (PCC) and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have announced a renewed commitment to strengthen their historic partnership.
This collaboration aims to address critical challenges in port operations, including congestion, inefficiencies, and security concerns. By leveraging their combined expertise and resources, PCC and NRC are poised to enhance trade facilitation, streamline logistics, and improve overall port performance, ensuring a more efficient and secure maritime sector for Nigeria.
Speaking at the Meeting between the Council and the NRC,, the Chairman of the Port Consultative Council (NPCC),Mr Bolaji Sunmola,thanked the management of the Corporation for the opportunity to rub minds together towards the common good of the Nigerian Ports.


He expressed delight with the revival and transformation of the rail line.
He said ,” the collaboration between our organization and yours dates back to our 1st and 4th quarterly meeting held in the year 2011 and 2007 respectively. Staffs of Nigerian Railway Corporation, the likes of Nkem Chiazor, A.I Adebiyi, Ε.Ν Gbuku and Ola Adeyinwo and many others were in attendance.”
He noted that ever since, the corporation has not attended the quarterly meetings of the Council.
“We are here to talk about the future and tremendous opportunity to collaborate and create something remarkable as in the past. As our core responsibilities, we believe we can significantly enhance the efficiency of functional transportation in Nigeria” NPCcC chairman stated.


Sunmola informed the gathering that the NPCC is a formidable force in the industry and went ahead to underscore the Core responsibilities of the NPCC,which include the following:
Advisory Role: He said the NPCC provides expert guidance on port operations, policies, and best practices. Our advisory services are designed to support stakeholders in navigating the complexities of the maritime industry, ensuring that decisions are informed and strategic.

.Advocacy: We advocate for the interests of all port stakeholders, promoting a unified approach to policy development and implementation. Our advocacy efforts aim to create an enabling environment for trade and investment in Nigeria’s ports.

Consulting Services: The NPCC offers consulting services to both public and private sector entities involved in port operations. We assist in identifying challenges, optimizing processes, and implementing innovative solutions to improve overall performance and competitiveness.

Arbitration: In cases of disputes or conflicts among stakeholders, NPCC provides an impartial arbitration platform aimed at resolving issues amicably and efficiently, thereby fostering a collaborative environment.”
He said the NRC collaborating with the NPCC would immensely benefit the two organisations
His words,”We believe that a partnership between the NPCC and the Nigerian Railways Corporation could lead to synergies that benefit both the rail and maritime sectors. By working together, we can address logistical challenges, improve intermodal connectivity, and ultimately enhance the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s transport infrastructure.


“We would be delighted to explore these collaborative opportunities further and explore how our Council can support the Nigerian Railways Corporation in achieving set objectives”
Going further,the Council noted that the dockyard road that goes to the Nigerian Naval base and the one going to the port, by the level crossing,the hut or house that usually shelters the level crossing keeper has been broken down,as a result of modernisation of the place.
The NPCC called on the NRC to make improvement on that area, because the axis plays host to so many tank farms.It suggested that the barrier at the level crossing should be improved upon ,and also a hut or house should be built there for the level crossing keeper ,so as to ensure safety,adding that safety takes preeminence as far as transport policy in the port is concerned.
The Council noted that the NRC has done a good job by making it possible for the rail to access the port,noting that the issue of safety is sacrosanct.
The Council implored the NRC to explore the opportunity of the meeting by stating issues they would want addressed as far as port operation is concerned , assuring them that the PCC could help in reaching out to the concerned agencies and organizations to address the issues.


The PCC suggested to NRC of the need to establish a marine department to aid the operations of the agency in the port.It noted that the absence of the marine department disconnected the Rail Way entirely.The Council noted that in 1984, the railway had direct access to the port.”There was direct rail access to the port,but in 1985,this was disconnected”. the Council noted.
Concerns were also raised by the council over high freight Charges for export.The council called on the NRC to reduce freight charges for exports so as to retain current customers and encourage more patronage.
Responding to the issues raised,the Director of operations,Mr Akin Osinowo ,who represented the Managing Director ,Engr Fidet Edentalen Okhiria,said on the level crossing, the management will look into the issues raised and promised that necessary action would be taken to address them.
He said the disengagement with the NPCC over the years might have been due to communication disconnection.
On the issue of the establishment of a Marine department in the corporation,Mr Osinowo noted that the corporation has a unit that functions in that capacity,noting however the need to upscale its activities.He said since concession ,the rail system has been partly neglected and has not been put to maximum operation by concessionaires,adding that the corporation would need the support of stakeholders like the NPCC to strengthen the operations of the railway.


Responding to the issue of high freight charges by NRC,Osinowo ,noted that the NRC Charges are very low when compared to other models.
It was noted that for prices to come down , every player has to agree to that ,and consideration too, must be given to cost model of other organisations.
Osinowo appealed to the NPCC to help in that direction so that all could be on the same page .
A lot of issues militating against port operations particularly as it concerns rail operations were raised.The PCC promised to look into these issues with the view to resolving them with concerned bodies.
The NRC requested to be updated with plans for NPCC quarterly meetings,so they can attended future meetings.NPCC Chairman,Bolaji Sunmola promised to update them going forward.
The NPCC team for the meeting conclude , Chairman of NPCC ,Mr Bolaji Sunmola,who led the delegation,Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu,Prof.Bamidele Badejo,Mr.Opara Basil, others are ,Peace Effiong,and Funmi Osayemi Amao, amongst others.


Mr Akin Osinowo,who stood in for the Managing Director ,Engr.Fidet Edentalen Okhiria,led the NRC team ,which included,Engr.Ayeni Adekunle,Director C/NL,Adeniran Adedamilola,DDRHS, Engr. A.M. Ogunade, Director Civil ,and Ben Iloanusi ,Director procurement, amongst others.

High point of the event was the presentation of plaque to the Managing Director,NRC,Engr.Fidet Edentalen Okhiria,by PCC chairman,Mr Bolaji Sunmola.The plaque was received on behalf of the MD ,by  Mr Ben Iloanusi ,Director Procurement.

 

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