Following his resumption of office, the new Port Manager, Onne Port Complex, Onne, Rivers State, Prince Gangtim Cirdap Zhattau has paid facility visit to terminal operators operating in the complex.
Those visited include Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT), West African Container Terminal (WACT), Brawal and Indorama.
Apart from introducing himself to the concessionaires, the visit gave him an opportunity to see things for himself and have an insight into their operations in the complex.
He specifically sought for the co-operation and collaboration of the concessionaires so that they can work in synergy and attain set goals and objectives in his tenure.
At Brawal, Zhattau was warmly received by its General Manager, Mrs. Esther Igbongidi and her management team.
Giving an insight into his visit, he said he was in their premises to meet with them and discuss on issues of common interests, bothering on their operations.
He revealed that as the former Traffic Manager, he was conversant with some of their activities in the complex.
While appealing to them on the need for synergy and collaboration, he stated the reason why NPA concessioned the terminal to them as the terminal operator.
“I emphasized on efficiency, consistency, sustainability and ability to add value in the value chain”, he stated.
At OMT, a statement issued by the Onne Port Complex, Head, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mrs. Barbara Ejemeh Nchey-Achukwu and made available to Maritime Bits said that the Port Manager was warmly received by the Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mr. James Stewart on behalf of its Managing Director, Mr. Jacob Gulmann.
The statement quoted Zhattau describing OMT as a homecoming for him.
His words: “We are here to know issues of concerns and you should not hesitate to inform us so that we can bring them to bear on operational concerns.”
While acknowledging the support of NPA Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko and management team in this regard, he pleaded for further support as it concerns security and general policing of the complex.
According to the statement, at WACT, Zhattau was also warmly received by its Managing Director, Mr. Naved Zafar and his deputy, Mr. Jeethu Jose. I am here with my team on a brief visit just as protocol demands.
Continuing, he said: “We are already a port family. I am pleased at the level of infrastructural development WACT had achieved. I want to say thank you WACT for the infrastructural development. We are excited because we can see value for money clearly manifested in your business environment which is reflecting your success story already”.
He called for improved revenue generation, synergy and commitment to build a more robust business relationship between NPA and the concessionaires.
The Managing Director of WACT, Mr. Naved Zafar in his response expressed gratitude to the Port Manager for the visit.
He also thanked Koko and the management of NPA for the appointment of the former Traffic Manager to the office of a Port Manager.
According to him, WACT has demonstrated capacity within the last 20 years by turning a swampy area into a big business complex within the maritime hub at the Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne Port Complex.
He explained that many other issues including security and automation of gate are also receiving attention from his management just as he agreed with NPA on the need for collaboration.
The Port Manager thanked the Managing Director of WACT and his team for their warm reception even as he averred that security, maximizing revenue generation and collection are the priority of NPA Managing Director. He solicited for his support on matters that will create proper enabling environment for port users.
Zhattau also visited Indorama Fertilizer Company at FOT and he was received by its Head of Operations, Mr. Mahesh Chatter.
During the visit, NPA and Indorama agreed to continue on what it called “robust and purposeful” partnership.
It is on record that in all his presentations at the terminals, Zhattau raised three major areas of collaboration amongst others. They are the security of the port/policing, community relations/corporate social responsibility (CSR) and proper illumination of the port environment, bearing in mind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Ministerial Performance Bond which Koko is prepared and ready to ensure strict compliance.
On Zhattau’s entourage were Mrs. Nchey-Achukwu, Traffic Manager, Mr. Abolade Surajudeen, Chief Port Engineer, Engr. Uzor Akwarandu, Chief Estate Officer, Mr. Ben Idemudia, and the Senior Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Mr. Eze Nkwocha.
