… Invites Intels to replicate same in Ghana***
In spite of the intimidating odds against the Intels Logistics Services, a special delegation from Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority has openly commended it, over what it noted as it’s impressive facilities and terminals at the Onne Ports.
The commendation which was delivered by a Special delegation from Ghana came, at the end of its one-day visit, to Onne Port, during which they also praised the Onne Ports management for its dedicated Commitment to the growth of ports, along best global standard.
The delegation was led by Captain Ebenezer Afadzi, the Director of Port of Tekoradi, Ghana; and the two major Terminals were: Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT) and Federal Lighter Terminal (FLT) in Onne, Rivers State.
In a welcome speech, Onne Port Manager, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho said the port was under direct instruction, to roll out the red carpet, at Onne Port, particularly all that would guarantee the actual success of the visit.
The Onne Port Manager highlighted that Onne Port accommodates four major ‘Terminal Operators’, who are also concessionaires; and identified them as the Intels Logistics Services, Brawal Oil Services, West African Container Terminal and ICTNL.
He also said there were other operators in the oil and gas sector, which includes West African Ventures (WAV), INDORAMA, Dangote etc.
The Port Manager equally remarked that Intels contributes positively to the development of the maritime activities in the country, noting that they enter into concession agreement for 25 years with the company, which allows them to develop the facility, and operate same, though with options to review the agreement at the end of 25 years.
He explained that the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), at Bonny constitutes another huge revenue earner for NPA and Federal Government (FG).
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“Onne Port is the most modern port. Intels came in 1988, while other concessionaire came in from the year 2006”, he observed, adding that he had visited ports in Ghana, and commended them for the visit, while assuring them that they will get better insight when they arrive Intels Terminal on facility tour.
In his response, Captain Ebenezer Kojo Afadzi, Director Port of Takoradi, Ghana thanks NPA for the honour accorded them. He said that Nigeria is Ghana’s big brother, because they have a lot they share in common.
“We are here because Nigeria is our big brother. We need help from Nigeria to grow our maritime and shipping sector. And we are here to learn a lot from your port and to see things for ourselves in Onne Port”, Capt. Kojo Afadzi said.
He Specifically stressed that their coming was to learn what had made Onne Port thick; and requested to get more clarifications on the operations of service boats and container vessels and how they help NPA to generate more revenue.
Among delegation from Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority who visited NPA Onne Port Complex Administrative building at FLT, includes Peter Ambo – Dediallo Public Affairs Manager Gnana’s Port of Takoradi, Samuel Neto – Kummi, John Atsu Dzere and Fortune Agbodia.
Others were Deacon Douglas Oppong, Shirly Braimoh and Divine Tamaklee, amongst others.
The Onne Ports later presented NPA Plague to the leader of the delegation from Ghana Ports and Harbours, Capt. Ebenezer Afadzi.
Meanwhile, Ghana Port and Harbours Authority delegation also in the company of Onne Port Manager and some of his Exco also visited Intels Logistics Services facilities at Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne Port.
Receiving the Ghanaian delegation, the Managing Director of Intels, Mr Paskal Fiori who welcomed them, to Intels Headquarters, FOT, Onne, saying his organisation is a leading logistics services organization, and observed that they are a major concessionaire.
“On behalf of the Board of Intels, I welcome our guests from Ghana. We are leading Logistics organization and we offer ‘one–stop shop services to our valued clients”, Intels CEO remarked.
Mr Fiori said they had the best policies on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), to their host communities of Onne and Ogu, including well-packaged policies on health, safety and environment, in their areas of operations.
In his response, the Ghanaian delegation leader thanked the Intels for their contributions to global maritime sector, and described the facilities as good and truly amazing.
Pointedly, he expressed hope for similar facilities to be replicated in Ghana.
In a brief interview, Mr Peter AMBO – Deediallo, Public Affairs Manager, of Port Of Takoradi, Ghana said they were grateful for NPA, Intels’ hospitality, particularly the access to their port facilities.