House of Representatives vow to revamp Eastern ports

*Tin-Can-Island port, Lagos.

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The House of Representatives says it is determined to save the eastern ports from its present status of under-utilization, as parts of efforts to decongest Lagos ports and also to boost the nation’s economy.

Chairman, House of Reps Ad-hoc Committee on Ports and Harbours, Yusuf Buba Yakub, disclosed this in Port Harcourt, during an investigative visit to seaports in Rivers State.

Buba who led members of the Committee to Onne and Port Harcourt ports, over complaints on the floor of the House on why the Eastern Ports are not operating optimally.

Buba, said the Committee would conduct public hearings at all Eastern ports, as part of their oversight function to investigate the reason behind underutilization of eastern ports, inspect facilities on ground and then report back to the National Assembly for immediate action.

He assured that their findings will enable the Green Chambers recommend what is to be done to save the Eastern Ports from its present status of under-utilisation.

At Onne Port, the Committee visited Brawal Shipping Yard, West African Containers Terminal, Indorama Yard, Intels facilities, Federal Ocean Terminal, Federal Lighter Terminal, before proceeding to the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, OGFZA.

At Port-Harcourt port, the Committee held a close door meeting with the management of Bua Ports and Terminals and officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority, over the decommissioning of Terminal B, operated by Bua, with a view to broker peace between both parties.

The Committee Chairman, who declined questions from newsmen, said the outcome of the meeting between Bua and NPA will be made available to the media at the appropriate time.

The House of Representatives committee on Ports and Harbours, would also inspect Calabar port, Warri port and Onitsha inland ports for more findings and to ensure the ports are put to maximum use.