As part of its commitment to end the present gridlock along Apapa Ports access roads, the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is at the verge of commissioning two transit parks located at Lillypond and Tin can Island Second Gate.
According to NPA, the proposed initiative is expected to enhance effective Port Operations and improved service delivery across board.
Under the arrangement, priority would be given to Truckers with empty containers and export.
Speaking at an interactive session in Lagos, the Managing Director, represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Davies explained that NPA as a Landlord would not fold its arms and allow total breakdown of the System.
He said NPA ‘’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’’
He explained that 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.
He added: “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 Heads from the NPA involved in the exercise resolved that enforcement would be total whilst calling on the support and understanding from all involved”.
The Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA], Dr. 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 representatives drawn from the Terminal Operators, Shipping Lines, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners and other critical Stakeholders.
