Sensitization: NPA targets improved port operations through transit trailer parks

Harboursandport.com: Lagos - Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in its effort to improve port operations is set to commission two trailer transit parks at Lillypond and Tin can Island Second Gate in its effort to ending the present gridlock that had persisted at Apapa and its environs leading to the ports.

Executive Director M&O (NPA), Dr. Sokonte Davis, while sitting at his immediate left is theGeneral Manager Monitoring & Regulatory Services (NPA) Mrs. Ugo Madubuike, General Manager, Board Secretary/ Legal Services (NPA) Mrs. Eniola Williams and Ag. General Manager Marine & Operations, (NPA) Capt. Jerome Anygunwe, while sitting at his immediate right is the General Manager, Security, NPA, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu and the General Manager, Corporate & Strategic Communications, NPA, Engr. Adams Jatto at the event in Lagos

The expected commissioning of the two trailer transit parks will to improved service delivery across, this is even as the Authority assured that it would give priority to truckers with empties and goods for export.

Managing Director of the NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, who made this known at an interactive Stakeholders meeting between Management and critical Stakeholders in Lagos, said NPA as a Landlord would not fold its arms and allow for total breakdown of the System. Instead, ‘’It would take the bull by the horn and proffer permanent solution to the menace in view of the role the sector plays in the life of the nation’s economy.’’

The NPA Managing Director who was represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Sokonte Davies, some of the plans put in place include mandating the incoming task force to ensure that all trucks are not allowed to park on the bridges forthwith.

Statement signed by General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, Adams Jatto, said that Shipping Lines and Terminal Operators must synergize their operations to ensure the success of the call up system. Security agencies are to remove all category of trucks milling round the Port Environment and Traffic and Law enforcement agents to ensure that the Tincan Island – Mile 2 corridor axis is open for optimal Traffic and Port Management.

In addition, the various sectional Headsfrom the NPA involved in the exercise resolved that enforcement would be total whilst calling on the support and understanding from all involved. It stressed that while the Trailer parks were a transit point, it would ensure that broken down trucks are towed away on a penalty. It urged all concerned that a platform would be made available for complaints to be lodgedby Stakeholders.

The Director General Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dakuku Peterside represented by Mrs. Anna James Akpan, Assistant Director, Shipping Development eulogized the initiative of the NPA in putting an end to the menace. The Port according to her was a critical component of the Maritime sector. ‘’The ease of access into the Port and the provision and maintenance of the facilities to create a free flow of activities cannot be overemphasized as it will enhance the flow and increase of revenue to both the Authority and Government.’’

At the end of the discussions, participants urged he NPA Management to ensure that their members are made relevant in Committees just as they further pledged their loyalty to the NPA in ensuring that The Call Up System is effectively implemented for the growth and development of the Maritime sector and most especially the Gross Domestic Product GDP of the Nation.

Present at the event were representativesdrawn from the Terminal Operators, Shipping Lines, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and other critical Stakeholders.