‎FG introduces SOP to fight corruption at western ports

The Federal Government has begun move to fight and eradicate corruption which stakeholders have identified as the problem facing development of Nigerian ports.

The Federal Ministry of Transportation introduced Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and the Port Services Support Portal (PSSP) in the Lagos Ports Complex following series of sharp practices.

The platform was designed by the Federal Government to close door of illicit activities and corruption as well as increase transparency, accountability and to make Nigeria ports users friendly.

Speaking at the official launch in Lagos, the Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi who was represented by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hajia Bala Usman said that the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had in 2013 noted that the pre-requisites for port effectiveness and efficiency in Nigeria are in short supply and recommended intervention by government.

He explained:  “As you are aware, the corruption risk assessment project is an anti corruption project focusing on strategies to reduce corruption in the Nigeria Port sector”.

Amaechi disclosed that the only condition to make the port sector support the nation’s economic growth is for it to be corrupt free.

“The only necessary and sufficient condition for the port sector to effectively and efficiently support the Nigerian economy is that the port facilities deliver services in a friendly environment devoid of conflict of interest and corrupt practices.”

Also speaking, the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Sekonte Davies said the initiative of the SOP was to ensure a user friendly business environment in the Nigerian ports.

“Let me inform the gathering that the initiative of drafting, adoption and harmonization of SOPs of port operations in Nigeria seeks to enhance transparency and accountability to ensure we acheived a user friendly business environment in the Nigerian Ports and for greater economic activities.”

Davies said the SOP would serve as a corruption prevention tool and anyone who defaulted would be sanctioned.