According to Mr Festus Olumati, harbour Manager, of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Calabar Port, the number of ships berthing at the harbour has significantly increased the local economy.
While on watch duty at the port facility in Calabar on Sunday as more than four boats were unloading their different goods and fuel products, Olumati made this statement.
According to the port manager, one of the ships, “MV Desert Unity,” berthed at the port with 16,000 metric tonnes of wheat, and “MV Medi Bangkok” berthed with 18,251 metric tonnes of general cargo, which included vehicles like automobiles and lorries as well as project pipelines.
He claimed that while other vessels were still at the Calabar Fairway Bouy and prepared to dock for release, the other two vessels berthed at the port with luxury motor spirits.
Despite the fact that it is Sunday, the port is incredibly active. As you can see, Calabar Port is feasible and operates at maximum efficiency.
“I had to get moving to make the Eastern Port an actuality in accordance with the directive provided to us by our capable Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko.
The directive provided to us by our MD is the reason for the heavy activity we see here at the harbour today. “Also, in line with the mandate of the MD, I went out of the box to hunt for cargo to come into Calabar.”
“Over five vessels will be berthing and discharging back-to-back at the Calabar Port, which we have never had in the past ten years.”
All our applications to him for the Eastern Port to function have been authorised. A special thank you to the MD of NPA for providing us with all the conditions to work and produce outcomes.
“We had to ask for a concessional rate from the MD of NPA for those who bring in cargoes, and he gave the approval,” he said. “For these vessels to come here.”
He claimed the port administration was luring ships to the Calabar Port by offering them special rates.
He assured the general public and marine professionals that the Calabar Port was functional, obvious, and very dependable to use. He also mentioned that the port has cutting-edge machinery for unloading goods.
“The commitment of staff at NPA and the Eco Marine Terminal workers is quite commendable,” he said. “As you can see, our workers are effective and efficient, and everything is done perfectly.”
Regarding security, he stated that lately a maritime police unit was sent to the Port to guarantee the Port’s utmost level of security in coordination with the NPA police headquarters and Port security officials.
The harbour is reportedly buzzing with activity right now, with young people working in various occupations, according to the media.
