Ikorodu Terminal, others for non-oil exports-NPA

The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Usman, says some terminals, including that of Ikorodu, will be designated for non-oil exports.

Usman disclosed this at the flag-off of the Nigeria Yam Export Programme (NYEP) to the UK held at Lilypond Container Terminal, Lagos, on Friday.

She said that necessary facilities would be in place to drive exportation of solid minerals and agricultural produce through the seaports.

“NPA is already prioritising some terminals, strictly for export, including the Ikorodu Container Terminal,’’ Usman said.

She, however, said that the only challenge with the Ikorodu Terminal was the problem of low headroom of the three bridges across the lagoon.

But the NPA boss gave an assurance that several alternatives were being considered.

“The development of intermodal transportation system will help a great deal, especially rail link to the ports.

“Rail link will cover almost 3,500 kilometres of existing narrow gauge lines from Lagos to Kano.

“It is important for Nigerians to return to the farm to produce enough yams for both local consumption and export,’’ she said.

She promised that necessary steps would be taken to guarantee smooth exportation from the ports.