Following the negative impact of persistent gridlocks on roads leading to Apapa, the Board of directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has assured ports users including terminal operators of the authority’s commitment in addressing the gridlock.
According to them, the NPA is synergising with other government agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Power, Work and Housing (FMWH) to cushion the pressure on the roads leading to the ports.
Emmanuel Olajide Adesoye, chairman of the Board, gave the assurance after the tour of terminals in the western zone, consisting of Lagos Port Complex (LPC) and Tin-Can Island Port at the weekend.
He said the management of the NPA is very much aware of the challenges faced by terminal operators and other port users in assessing the ports due to the persistent gridlock.
According to him, the authority is keen on rejuvenating the rail lines in the port, introducing call- up system as well as expanding the port access roads. “We are conscious that badges are currently being used to transfer cargoes from Tin-Can and Apapa ports to Ikorodu and Kirikiri Lighter Terminals.
This, he said, has drastically reduced the clog on the wheel of progress on the lane to greater service delivery at the nation’s seaports.
“The completion of the Lekki Deep Seaport, which is a product of Private Public Partnership, and great collaboration, would help in the efficient movement of cargo. We believe that the port would be a reference point within the Gulf of Guinea. However, we are committed to providing modern port infrastructure in all seaports in the country, in order to encourage efficiency in the system,” he assured.
Earlier, Emmanuel Akporherhe, port manager, Tin-Can Island Port Complex (TCIP), who said that some existing infrastructure in the port are over 40 years old, solicited for the rehabilitation of the infrastructure round the port to facilitate greater customer satisfaction.
According to him, Tin-Can has received 213 ships with a tonnage of 6,778,397 and cargo throughput of 4,790,282 in the first quarter of 2019.
Aishat Ibrahim, port manager, Lagos Port Complex Apapa, told the board members of the business activities at the port as well as the feats it has attained in its operation.
AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE
