The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has expressed its readiness to strengthen relations with the Republic of Cote d\u2019Ivoire in the areas of port and shipping operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mohammed Bello-Koko, Acting Managing Director of NPA, stated this in a statement signed by Mr Olaseni Alakija, NPA\u2019s General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, in Lagos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bello-Koko made the statement when he received a delegation from the Republic of Cote d\u2019Ivoire, who paid him a courtesy visit at the NPA corporate headquarters in Marina, Lagos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He said the relations would focus more on strengthening the capacities of both countries to participate competitively in global and regional trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has introduced far reaching reforms to facilitate cross border trade, particularly nurturing a multimodal port system to reduce the cost of shipments in and out of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Buhari-administration has also invested heavily in major public infrastructure upgrades, including construction of modern rail lines and deep seaports, to boost the international competitiveness of the country\u2019s trade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis will as well position Nigeria as gateway to the African economy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bello-Koko said one of the Greenfield Ports \u2013 the Lekki Deep Seaport, capable of handling ultra large cargo vessels, would commence business by the second quarter of 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n