The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman in an interview with THISDAY said the NPA is hosting the International Association of Ports and Harbours World Port Conference because it will provide the opportunity to market the port industry in Nigeria.

The IAPH was formed in 1955 and over the last 60 years, it has grown into a global alliance representing 180 members ports and 140 port-related businesses in 90 countries. The IAPH was established to promote interest of ports worldwide, build strong member relationship and share international best practices.

According to Hadiza Bala-Usman, "The conference is bringing together ports from all over Africa and other international organisations to look at the challenge of hinterland connectivity in the continent.

“This will be of immense interest to Nigeria, as it is an issue we are grappling with and at the moment we command the largest.

"The conference is also going to attract major investors in the maritime industry from all over the world and with the attendance of our major partners, terminal operators and JV companies, the potentials of the port industry in Nigeria will be marketed.

“This will, in turn, engender an increase in foreign direct investment (FDI) and improve the patronage of our ports,” she added.

•Excerpted from a THISDAY report