The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman has said that Nigeria must consolidate on its economic strength to lead regional integration and development.
She said the country is blessed with prolific economic potentials to promote trade integration and development.
Usman who was represented by Hassan Danjuma, a General Manager in the organization stated this on Wednesday at a symposium to mark NPA Special Day at the ongoing 41st Kaduna International Trade Fair.
She noted that regional integration through trade could not be achieved independent of seaports, adding that NPA would pursue policies and programmes to enhance performance of seaports in the country.
She said: “Friendly and competitive, the essence is to make our seaports a preferred destination in West and Central Africa sub regions as well as Africa.”
Usman also urged farmers to develop cultivation of export based produce to tune the pendulum from import to export base economy.
According to her, the Authority has initiated viable programmes to encourage cooperation with international business community, to achieve the objectives of the Federal Government policy on ease of doing business in seaports.
The Managing Direct reiterated commitment to make seaports efficient and secure so as to contribute toward sustainable economic development and called for collective efforts in making seaports a pride to the nation.