NPA, MD, Mallam Habib Abdullahi
By Benjamin A Ameh
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has wonderfully plans to improve the performance of its Security Department and enable it cope with the present challenges.
The NPA, Managing Director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi has revealed that these programmes of action designed to improve the performance of the department were in the areas of personnel recruitment, training and acquisition of necessary working tools and equipment.
Abdullahi further disclosed these in Lagos last Thursday during the visit of audience Messrs Rolf Olson and Mr. Ronald Rhinehart both officials of American Consulate-General, Lagos.
The NPA Boss, who reiterated the determination of the Management to improve the outlook and the performance of the Security Department, explained that this has become necessary to enable the division cope with the increasing security challenges.
“Not only are the existing personnel of the NPA Security Department retrained and re-oriented, but all the nation’s seaports are improving on the requirements of International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code as it concerns the responsibility of the ports, adding that even in the present concession regime, the NPA Management still oversees the security of the ports, in conjunction with other sister organizations,’’ he said.
Abdullahi recapped that the NPA would support the initiative, because it was in its best interest to do so and to effectively tackle terrorism in our environs. While extolled the United States government for initiating the move to ensure safety in global maritime activity,
Earlier, Rolf Olson had told their host that America was disturbed about effectively tackling terrorism in our maritime domain.
Therefore, the American Embassy has made its observation known to the Foreign Affairs Ministry through diplomatic note, emphasised is on the need for the nation’s seaports to be seen to be safe.
Olson also reiterated the need for the two countries to work closely together to make global maritime activities safe.
NPA officials present at the meeting included the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Olumide Oduntan; the General Manager, Physical Planning and Development, Arch. Musa Dan Hassan; the General Manager, Public Affairs Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu; and the Special Assistant to the Managing Director, Mallam Abdullahi Buhari.
