NPA to enhance transparency, introduces automated billing

The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman, has assured stakeholders in the maritime sub-sector of management’s renewed vigour and determination to improve its operations this year.

Bala Usman, in her New Year message said Authority is determined to introduce a web-based billing and revenue collection application, fully automated for the entire billing circle of the NPA among others.

She also assured terminal operators and port users that the Authority would further open its doors to all players to surmount various bottlenecks with a view to providing a healthy and smooth environment for all stakeholders.

Bala Usman further assured stakeholders of NPA’s renewed efforts towards the swift evacuation of cargoes from the Nigerian ports to the hinterlands.

She recalled that with the Ease Of Doing Business introduced by the Federal Government, the Authority has partnered with notable organizations, including the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing for the reconstruction of dilapidated roads within the ports axis for efficient services across board.

A statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Adams Jatto, quoted Bala Usman as saying that the Authority has put in place structures to drive this dream through the launch of the Revenue Income Management System (RIMS). This is a web based billing and revenue collection application fully automated for the entire billing circle of the NPA.

She also expressed a desire for improved collaboration with sister agencies towards a more seamless operation in the ports environment, with the intent to reduce human contact.

“In this regard, it is partnering with the Nigerian Custom Service (NCS) for the quick facilitation of the Single Window platform aimed at simplifying and harmonising formalities, procedures and the related exchange of information, which will be a major priority in the coming year.

The Authority also assured all prospective investors of its renewed determination to attract investments to ports across the country through infrastructural development.

“NPA wishes to stress that there has been constant dredging of the channels to attain the expected draught level for incoming vessels at our ports. This is expected to lead an unprecedented revenue generation and with the expectation that this effort would further be surpassed in the New-Year.

“We hereby assure all of its unflinching support in building on the successes of the Sector towards the growth and development of the nation especially in the area of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and economic rebound in the near future,” she was quoted.