Against the backdrop of business lull at the Rivers seaports, sudden increase in ship traffic at the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Rivers state Port recently indicates that port business may soon start picking up.
This positive development follows the innovations and the installation of modern security gadgets by the management which is aimed at boosting economic activities at the port premises.
Due to the peaceful atmosphere and a friendly business environment achieved by the management for investors and ship owners, Rivers Port has recorded over 10 to 15 vessels berth weekly with various cargoes and consignments waiting for clearance.
Findings revealed that sea going vessels berth at the port with various goods such as frozen fish, bitumen, general containers, bulk wheat, bulk salts and petroleum products
It was also discovered that the port which rendered services to investors from Southern and Eastern parts of the country including Bayelsa, Delta, Abia, Imo and Rivers states saw long queue of trucks with containers waiting to be loaded with cargoes from the ships.
Equally commendable is the security network put in place by the management of the port, which has motivated and encouraged investors, terminal operators, shipping and clearing agents to do business in the port thereby yielding revenue to the state and Federal Governments.
In view of the tight security at the port, the rate of small scale businesses have increased tremendously as people are engaged in one business transaction or the other. This is expected to increase the revenue, the same way that tax rate is expected to increase thereby swelling the government’s revenue.
The port, recently recorded a new ship agent CMG-CGM which specialises in ship containers shipping at the port.
Also at the port to boost business activities is Comet and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) which is also currently doing business with the port.
