Politics / Re: Onne Port, River State New Hub Of Economic Activities by ihail(m): 8:33pm On Aug 02, 2019 |
TundeBricklayer: With the launch of two new Mobile Harbour Cranes worth $10 million and other investments, the West Africa Container Terminal, Onne Port, River State has become the new hub of economic activities in Nigeria and the gateway to major markets, writes Eromosele Abiodun
Following the suffering and cost incurred by importers, exporters and other stakeholders in the maritime sector as a result of the unending Lagos ports access roads gridlock, there have been calls for other ports in the country, especially the eastern ports to be activated to solve the congestion in Lagos. But some players in the industry had argued that the investment required to get the eastern ports running is not readily available hence the continued suffering at the Lagos ports with delays and million lost to demurrages and other rates. However, it has been a different story in the last one year at Onne Port in Rivers State as the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), one of the first green field container terminal to be built in Nigeria under public private partnership, has since set the ball rolling. WACT is located in Onne port (some 30km from Port-Harcourt) in Rivers State.
Described by importers as the best kept secret, the company has been successfully connecting East, North, West Central Nigeria and Rivers State to the world since its establishment a few years ago. This has been possible through top-quality services, cordial business relations with customers, regular interaction with stakeholders, human resource development, modern handling equipment and superior e-commerce capabilities. As a result of this, vessel traffic has since hit the millions as traders and importers in the east no longer bring their goods through Lagos ports but rather go to the Onne port for easier access to their target market.
Some importers, told THISDAY has reduced their cost of doing business drastically, stressing that the facilities at the Onne port makes it possible for them to clear goods in few days unlike what obtains in Lagos where they spend weeks in traffic and pay all manners of fines and expense before they get their goods to its destination. Over the last three years, the WACT terminal has seen significant increase in volumes resulting in its investment in various containers handling equipment such as five reach stackers, two empty handlers and 14 terminal trucks. WACT, stakeholders said, has positively impacted trade and economic activity in Nigeria by increasing the competitiveness of the port. This makes the terminal attractive for shipping lines coming from all parts of the globe. THISDAY checks showed that vessels now sail directly from Asia (particularly China), America and Europe to Onne including vessels as large as 4000TEUs capacity. This has had a direct moderating impact on the cost of goods as compared to the position in the past.
The company achieved this as a result of the massive investment made in the areas of yard capacity, introduction of sophisticated cargo-handling equipments and electronic solution for invoicing and payments, thus reducing vessel- waiting time, dwell times and above all reducing the number of days for containers to arrive Nigerian markets from the origin of shipment.
WACT, which began commercial operations in 2007, and has proven to be one of the most customer-friendly ports in Nigeria and the most efficient gateway to most markets outside the greater Lagos area. The terminal has a capacity of 314,000 TEUs and 250 reefer plugs with a depth of 12 meters. The terminal is a one-stop shop business environment that houses shipping lines and government agencies within the terminal to reduce travel time for customers and increase the ease of doing business in WACT.
Increased Investment WACT last week launched two new Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs) worth $10million (N3.6 billion) for discharge of cargoes at the terminal.
The Mobile Harbour Cranes (MHCs), which is coming on the heels of 10 new specialised terminal trucks and two new reach stackers were expected to increase the turnaround time of vessels at the terminal.
The two new container cargoes handling facilities would bring WACT at par with its peers in Apapa, and Tin Can Island Ports, in terms of equipment and operational efficiency.
Speaking on the MHCs, the Managing Director, WACT, Aamir Mirza said the massive investment at the terminal has attracted 700 direct and 2000 indirect employment in the country.
He said the company had recorded tremendous growth of 17 per cent in 2017, 21 per cent growth in 2018 and 20 per cent growth attained so far this year.
Mirza described the $10 million investment as a key enabler to customers’ satisfaction adding, “Our vision is to make WACT the best performing container terminal in West Africa. We believe this vision can be realised early enough if the government can support us to reduce the challenges of security by ensuring the safety of vessels on our waters, and improve road connectivity, among others.
“The WACT is determined to becoming the new hub of economic activities in Nigeria, being the gateway to major markets in Onitsha, Kano, Abuja, Nnewi, Enugu, Aba, Ogidi and Port Harcourt which will in turn boost the nation’s economy. Hence, our resolve to keep investing and increasing the competitiveness of the WACT so that larger ships can call the port directly and importers do not have to travel hundreds of thousands of miles to collect their goods when they can easily do that in Onne.”
Mirza said the cranes would enable volume growth resulting in increased productivity; reduced port stay and provide bunker savings; improve reliability in cargo delivery times; reduce the impact of crane breakdown/idle time on overall terminal operations; and increase customers satisfaction and speedy delivery.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hassan Bello, said the new cranes would aid efficiency and improve vessels turnaround time at the terminal. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to encourage more importers to patronise Onne Port, adding that government is determined to see shipping make significant contributions to the economy.
He said: “Our terminals need to grow and show efficiency. I am happy with the competition because this is how to compete. We need options, choice for shippers where they will discharge their cargoes. The commissioning of these Mobiles Harbour Cranes is no doubt significant because it will improve efficiency. We are happy with the 30 per cent increase in volumes of cargoes and in the long run, more Nigerians would be employed and it will make the terminal operation contribute to the economy.
Free Zone objects “The more efficiency we have, the more cargoes we will get because Nigeria is a natural harbour due to the market that is available and I am happy today that this terminal is becoming one of the most efficient we have in West Africa and this is gladdening our hearts, and the main reasons of concessioning the port to private sector will be realised by this terminal and we will use this terminal to benchmark the performance of other terminals.”
The Managing Director, Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority (OGFZA), Umana Okon Umana, lauded WACT for making the nation meet the objectives of establishing the free zone.
He promised to run the free zone in a professional manner and assured of provision of dedicated power to the zone for efficient service delivery.
He said: “For us, the fact that WACT is expanding their operation is a show of confidence they have in the economy and confidence they have in Nigeria and the MD said they have sent Nigerians out for training because this are very specialised equipment and as we know; the objectives of free zones is to attract foreign direct investments that will support job creation, support transfer of skills and technology and what government loses by tax revenues, government takes back in employment, skills and transfer of skills.” On her part, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman lauded the company for acquiring the new cranes, even as she urged shippers to patronise Onne Port.
Bala-Usman, who was represented by the Onne Port Manager, Al-Hassan Ismaila, said the government was looking into the security of vessels on the nation’s high sea.
“The Onne Port is a nexus to connecting the North-East, North-central, South-south and South-east, so cargoes for this section of the country are expected to be discharged through this port. We are calling on shippers to patronize Onne Port because of the friendly environment, and the synergy between the agencies of government operating at the port,” she added. https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/08/02/new-hub-of-economic-activities/
Why mislead people with this post? Onne Port that is now looking like grave yard. Most companies using the port as logistic base already left for LADOL and NIGER DOCK for reasons best known to them. The crane has been here for years now.
As i type now, nothing major is happening here at Onne port. Over grown grasses have taken over most yards.
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Politics / Re: Onne Port, River State New Hub Of Economic Activities by ihail(m): 8:32pm On Aug 02, 2019 |
Why mislead people with this post? Onne Port that is now looking like grave yard. Most companies using the port as logistic base already left for LADOL and NIGER DOCK for reasons best known to them. The crane has been here for years now.
As i type now, nothing major is happening here at Onne port. Over grown grasses have taken over most yards. |
Education / Re: NUC Gives Approval For 3 More Universities In Imo by ihail(m): 7:17pm On May 07, 2019 |
qualityovenbake: I doubt Delta State has 7 universities 1. Delta Sate University, Abraka 2. Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Ogbomro 3. Federal Maritime University, Okerenoko 4. Western Delta University, Oghara 5. Novena University, Kwame 6. Edwin Clarke University, Kiagbodo 7. Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Agbarha-Otor. |
Nairaland / General / Female Welder Trending by ihail(m): 5:26pm On Apr 10, 2019 |
Wow I just saw these photos of a female Welder trending on fb... Some Nigerian ladies are truly hard working. I pray she gets someone to help establish her.
May God bless her...
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Family / Re: How To Bond With Your New Born by ihail(m): 6:48am On Jan 29, 2019 |
Rosarie: Will u have a baby and not bond before??it's a natural thing.no steps to it.except u don't love the child My dear, i know lots of peeps who do not.... 2 Likes |
Jobs/Vacancies / Re: Jobs/vacancies Section Chatroom by ihail(m): 4:50pm On Nov 16, 2017 |
Is there no Safety Officer job vacancy anywhere? |
Jobs/Vacancies / Re: Pcon Energy Services Recruitment by ihail(m): 7:21pm On Sep 21, 2017 |
Its real... I attended, likewise many others. Just that I haven't heard further from them. The unfortunate thing was that cos I was in a hurry, didn't collect other applicants contacts. omocalabar: na Badoo invite u soo.. beta no near there |
Jobs/Vacancies / Pcon Energy Services Recruitment by ihail(m): 6:51pm On Sep 21, 2017 |
Has anyone who attended the Pcon energy services interview held in Ikorodu heard anything from them yet? Please anyone with useful information should kindly share.
Thanks |
Jobs/Vacancies / Re: Vacancies At Pcon Energy Services For Various Positions by ihail(m): 1:09pm On Sep 21, 2017 |
Any news about the outcome for those that attended the interview? |
Jobs/Vacancies / Re: Vacancies At Pcon Energy Services For Various Positions by ihail(m): 3:26pm On Aug 29, 2017 |
Thanks! I actually got it through a whatsApp group. When i asked the sender, said he got it from a friend and know nothing much about it. I already sent CV but kinda curious. However since it is closed, no qualms. Thanks for clearing the air though. quote author=ScreenDiva post=59935748]@Poster Where did you copy the vacancy from? Why did you not ask your questions where you copied it from? I am sure the vacancy did not drop from the moon....Now you want people to help you out to know how real because "weak low" do you for hand to google abi? ![](/faces/huh.png) I will just say this for the intention of genuine job seekers here that the vacancy is very real and it is even closed. They have shortlisted and invited people for the different positions, the first batch which was yesterday and the next batch on Wednesday.... I was lucky to be among the first batch for keenly competed positions with people from different walks of life, Badoo or no Badoo. While the Badoo group maybe operative in Ikorodu, it should not kill your dreams to aspire to forge ahead in life. The Badoo from what I gathered operate in the remote part of Ikorodu and mainly at night. While the interview was held in Ikorodu, the office would not be there. It is not all gmail address that are fake or GNLD. I am sure the poster got this vacancy from some where and did not bother to ask the originator of the advertised positions these questions, instead he came here to bother Nairalanders to make it look fake when no one replied him. [/quote] |
Jobs/Vacancies / Re: Vacancies At Pcon Energy Services For Various Positions by ihail(m): 11:57am On Aug 29, 2017 |
[Guy no be so o. I see am and I come dey wonder nai make i say make I post am here in case any1 know of am cos d tin tire me |
Jobs/Vacancies / Re: Vacancies At Pcon Energy Services For Various Positions by ihail(m): 10:50am On Aug 29, 2017 |
Nlanders, u guys are just viewing without any advise about the location and company. Please does anybody know about them and how genuine they are? |
Jobs/Vacancies / Vacancies At Pcon Energy Services For Various Positions by ihail(m): 10:37am On Aug 29, 2017 |
Has anyone heard of Pcon Energy services Limited with office at Ikorodu? I learnt they are recruiting for various positions.... How genuine is this considering Ikorodu as location....
Vacancies A new Oil and Gas Servicing Company, Business development, Project Management, Training & Career development, Manpower Outsourcing and Supply, Safety and Environmental Consultancy Service company in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Hereby Solicit Applications From Suitable-Qualified and Experienced Team Members for the Following Positions:
Business Development Manager Human Resources Manager Project Manager Administrative Manager Finance & Account Manager Procurement Manager QHSE Manager QA/QC Manager Environmental Management Specialist Chief Engineer Base Manager Minimum Qualification of HND with 3years of experience and must be able to work under pressure and without supervision and must be able to work on a rig (Oil Flow Station) and outside Lagos and must have the necessary professional certifications including Safety Certifications and Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) Certification as a must. Account Officers Site Supervisors and Engineers QHSE Coordinators Nurse/First Aiders Store Keepers Marketing Executives Technicians/Roustabout Geologist Chemical and Electrical Engineers Minimum Qualification of OND with 2years of experience and must possessed the relevant professional certifications and with good orientation and self discipline, smart and creative. To work under pressure and without supervision and must be a team player.
APPLICATIONS: All qualified and interested candidate should submit their CV’s and cover letter to pconenergyservices@gmail.com 09036074887, 08066740874 |
Business / Help On Where To Get A4 Papers To Buy In Lagos Or Benin by ihail(m): 10:49pm On Aug 15, 2017 |
Hello Nairalanders, please I need help on where to get A4 photocopy papers to buy in Lagos or Benin in wholesale as I intend opening a business centre.
Any useful advise or guide on how to go about the business will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks |
Business / Re: Computer Business Centre Owners/intending Owners, This Is For You. by ihail(m): 10:22pm On Aug 15, 2017 |
Where can one get A4 papers to buy in bulk and at what price range? |
Car Talk / Re: Why Does My Car Engine Oil Dry Up Without Physical Leakage by ihail(m): 10:54pm On Apr 18, 2017 |
Emekayoung: Wat do i do. My baby boy dries up oil within 2 weeks after servicing. I use mobil XHP 20w 50. Though the engine does not smoke. And i always see vapour coming out of the exhaust tail wen ever i start the car in the morning or wen it's raining. Pls u guys shuld help me out... Is it same oil u have been using? U may have to change to TOTAL W20 5000 or so. Really cant remember d grade cos it may be that ur engine isn't cokpartible with that Mobil as such it burns it off. I experienced same some years ago when I started using same Mobil oil and was advised by d guy who does d servicing to change to TOTAL and since then (about 3yrs now) till date I haven't experienced it. |
Career / Re: Lady Who Does Fixing Of P.O.P For A Living Shares Powerful Message (Photos) by ihail(m): 3:08pm On Sep 29, 2016 |
Sharing her work isn't just enough. Please if u know where and how to contact her kindly share such details as well cos its good to encourage her by patronizing her works. I checkd her name on fb but none 1 Like |
Jobs/Vacancies / Mactayconsulting Test For Customer Care At GLOBACOM by ihail(m): 11:01pm On Sep 01, 2016 |
Hello fellow nairalanders,
A friend got the email invite below and not too sure if its a scam.
Who else got same and can anyone in the house help with a site where email addresses can be checked whether they are scams?
Subject: TEST INVITATION FOR CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE JOB IN GLOBACOM LTD. To: Date: Thursday, September 1, 2016, 8:39 AM Dear Candidate, > > Thank you for your interest in our client :Globacom Ltd. > > You have been invited to attend a Computer Based/ Aptitude > Test for the above-named position. > Test Venue : No. 11, Palace Road, Oyigbo, Port Harcourt, > River State. > Date : Saturday, September 3rd , 2016 > Time : 9:00 am > For enquiries on test location call 07035833276. > > > Thank you and we look forward to meeting with you. > > > > Regards, > > The Global Manpower Recruitment Team. > > > > |
Autos / Re: I Have Found My Stolen Toyota Corolla!!!!!!!! by ihail(m): 7:00pm On Apr 09, 2016 |
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Politics / Re: Katsina College Releases Buhari’s WASC Results by ihail(m): 8:40pm On Jan 21, 2015 |
Computer prints as at 1961. That's very interesting. |
Career / Re: Meet Nigeria's First Female Helicopter Captain [pictured] by ihail(m): 7:05pm On Dec 17, 2014 |
Congrats to her. I know her very well |
Business / Re: Entrepreneurship Development by ihail(m): 7:34am On Dec 16, 2014 |
@myinfoo send to me na. I no receive o... rohdaye@yahoo.com |
Business / Re: Entrepreneurship Development by ihail(m): 11:46am On Dec 15, 2014 |
rohdaye@yahoo.com need info |
Business / Re: Mini Importation Business, Am I Going Crazy Or What? by ihail(m): 1:45pm On Nov 26, 2014 |
K... Thanks @blessed John. Will try it out |
Business / Re: Mini Importation Business, Am I Going Crazy Or What? by ihail(m): 10:07am On Nov 26, 2014 |
Everything in 1688.com is written in Chinko. How do I get d English version? |
Business / Re: Where Can I Get Bale Clothes For Children B/w 2-12yrs by ihail(m): 2:45pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
kemtol: For the bale of childrens clothes, go to yaba or gatankowa market at super or betterstill go to cotonou, u ll get it cheaper there and quality grades @Kemtol thanks. pls i'll love to get ur contact so we could talk more. really don't know that gatankowa u mentioned. Since u are in2 d biz u definitely will b a good mentor |
Business / Re: Mini Importation Business, Am I Going Crazy Or What? by ihail(m): 2:41pm On Nov 19, 2014 |
SunnyJ2:
Thanks! Ymodulus, am happy for ur kind gesture, am going to make my research and contact those mentor you mension earlier. ur advice have gave me hope. But everything on dat site mengjianxieye.1688.com is written in chinese |
Business / Re: Where Can I Get Bale Clothes For Children B/w 2-12yrs by ihail(m): 11:36am On Nov 19, 2014 |
Herryolu thanks for the info. I would need more contacts anyway. Pls nairalanders |
Business / Where Can I Get Bale Clothes For Children B/w 2-12yrs by ihail(m): 9:32am On Nov 19, 2014 |
Pls nairalanders can anyone assist me with a market or contact where I can get 1st grade bale clothes for children as well as used toys and shoes for both sexes at reasonably cheap prices? URGENT pls.
Would also love to know a market where I can get baking accessories at cheap rates in Lagos or a contact.
Thanks |
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Politics / Re: Jonathan Places Pa Akinkunmi On Lifetime Salary, Gives Out Houses To Steward by ihail(m): 5:46pm On Sep 29, 2014 |
Nice gesture GEJ. Carry go 6 Likes |
Education / Re: Phrases In Pidgin and Meaning! by ihail(m): 5:57am On Sep 22, 2014 |
Guy arrange urself sharp sharp make I no cast u here- Pls behave properly so I don't disgrace u here |