In a stunning display of visionary leadership and operational excellence, Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has orchestrated a remarkable transformation at the Lagos Ports.

Under his strategic guidance, Port Managers Charles Okaga of Apapa Port Complex and Sylvester Othuke Egede of Tin Can Island Port have achieved what was deemed impossible for over a decade: clearing the once-impassable access roads to these critical maritime gateways. For their exceptional efforts, they have been awarded the prestigious Awards for Excellence.

It has been a clear case of putting round pegs in round holes.

NPA committed  to becoming Africa’s leading port – Bello-Koko

The recent awards were presented to them at the fourth JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall meeting where they recognised the invaluable contributions of Mohammed Bello-Koko and his Lagos winning team of Charles Okaga, Port Manager of Apapa Port Complex, and Sylvester Othuke Egede, Port Manager of Tin Can Port. It was in recognition of the successful clearing of the access roads that have hitherto been impassable by vehicles for 13 years. Driving through the Port area now takes just a few swift minutes rather than the hours and even days that it used to take.

The organisers commended the awardees for what they called unprecedented selflessness as they worked round the clock to gain the support of government and private sector stakeholders including haulage operators before the feat was achieved

The NPA team was commended for deploying a combination of experience and intelligence with the support of law enforcement agencies to ensure that the road once again becomes one of Nigeria’s hitch-free transit zone for trucks going in and out of the port for import and export activities

It was observed that the ETO electronic call-up system for trucks has also been made more effective with the added value of free flow of traffic, devoid of trucks parking along the roads to impede movements along the corridor.

BRANDPOWER recalls that the Apapa and Tin Can Ports traffic challenge had long resisted numerous attempts at resolution. Federal and Lagos State task forces had tried repeatedly but ultimately failed to remove the entrenched extortionists and criminal elements along the corridor who made commuters go through hell as they practically crawled to and from the port environs. However the latest renewed efforts and the determined actions of the awardees, in conjunction with the Lagos State Government and security agencies have finally unravelled the knotty issue and created a clear passage for all.

Visionary Leadership at the Helm: Mohammed Bello-Koko

Since his appointment as the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko  has been a beacon of change and progress. With a clear vision for modernizing Nigeria’s port operations, Bello-Koko has focused on infrastructure improvement, efficiency enhancement, and economic growth. His decision to appoint Sylvester Othuke Egede and Charles Okaga as Port Managers proved to be a masterstroke, setting in motion a series of events that have significantly improved the operational capacity and economic throughput of Lagos Ports.

The Port Managers: Sylvester Othuke Egede and Charles Okaga

Charles Okaga, the Port Manager of Apapa Port Complex, brought a wealth of experience in port operations and management. Known for his innovative approach and ability to mobilize resources effectively, Okaga’s leadership has been instrumental in the rapid transformation of Apapa Port.

Sylvester Othuke Egede assumed the role of Port Manager at Tin Can Island Port with a reputation for strategic problem-solving and a track record of driving operational excellence. With a background in logistics and maritime management, Egede’s expertise was pivotal in addressing the long-standing issues at Tin Can Island Port.

Transformative Achievements

In just a few weeks, Egede and Okaga led a coordinated effort to clear the access roads to Tin Can Island and Apapa ports, which had been blocked by parked tankers and container trucks for 13 years. This blockage had not only degraded the roads but also crippled the flow of goods, causing significant delays and economic losses.

The collaborative efforts included:

• Implementing a rigorous traffic management system: By collaborating with relevant authorities and stakeholders, they established new traffic regulations and rerouting strategies that prevented indiscriminate parking.
• Road rehabilitation: Immediate repairs and rehabilitation of the access roads were undertaken, restoring them to a navigable state.
• Enforcement of strict operational protocols: Ensuring compliance through regular monitoring and the establishment of enforcement teams.

Benefits and Economic Impact

Clearing the access roads has had a profound impact on trade facilitation and the Nigerian economy. Some of the key benefits include:

• Improved Efficiency: The smooth flow of goods has significantly reduced turnaround times for cargo handling, boosting port productivity.
• Economic Growth: Enhanced port operations have attracted more business, fostering economic growth and increasing revenue for the country.
• Job Creation: The rejuvenated port activities have created numerous direct and indirect employment opportunities.
• Reduced Congestion: The traffic congestion in and around the port areas has been drastically reduced, improving the quality of life for residents and workers.
• Strengthened Supply Chain: The efficiency of the supply chain has been bolstered, ensuring timely delivery of goods and raw materials to industries across Nigeria.

Corporate Biographies of the Awardies

Mohammed Bello-Koko: As the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and innovation. He holds a degree in Management Studies from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Liverpool. Bello-Koko’s extensive experience in the financial sector, including key roles in banking, has equipped him with the strategic insight necessary to lead NPA towards modernization and enhanced operational efficiency.

Sylvester Othuke Egede: Egede is a seasoned professional in the maritime industry, with a Bachelor’s degree in Maritime Management Technology from the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, and a Master’s in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from the Lagos Business School. His career spans over two decades, during which he has held various managerial positions that have honed his expertise in port operations and logistics.

Charles Okaga: With a robust background in port administration, Okaga holds a Bachelor’s degree in Transport Management from the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology and a Master’s degree in Maritime Studies from the University of Lagos. His innovative approach to problem-solving and extensive experience in port management have made him a key asset to the NPA.

More to come

There will surely be more awards loading for the NPA leadership if they maintain this winning streak. The Awards for Excellence bestowed upon Mohammed Bello-Koko, Sylvester Othuke Egede, and Charles Okaga are a testament to their unwavering dedication, strategic acumen, and effective leadership.

Their collective efforts have not only revitalized the Lagos Ports but have also set a new benchmark for operational efficiency and economic growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector. As the NPA continues to build on these successes, the future of Nigeria’s port infrastructure looks promising and poised for further advancements and earning more awards for excellence.

Kudos to the NPA management for a job well done!