NPA sensitizes stakeholders on transit trailer parks to improve port operations
The Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] is concluding plans to commissioning two transit parks located at Lillypond and Tin can Island Second Gate.
The NPA, at a stakeholders’ meeting, said it was convinced the effort would enhance effective port operations and improved service delivery, just as it informed stakeholders in the Maritime sector that priority would be given to trucks with empties and exports.
The Managing Director of the NPA represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Davies, stated this at the interactive Stakeholders meeting between Management and critical Stakeholders held at the Rock View Hotels Apapa.
Speaking on the plans of the management, Sokonte reinstated that the NPA as Landlord, would not fold its arms and allow total breakdown of the system, but that it would rather take the bull by the horn and
proffer permanent solution to the menace in view of the role the sector plays in the nation’s economy.
proffer permanent solution to the menace in view of the role the sector plays in the nation’s economy.
According to the Acting Managing Director, some of the plans put in place include mandating an incoming Task Force to ensure that all trucks are not allowed to park on the bridges henceforth.
Shipping Lines and Terminal Operators must synergize their operations to ensure the success of the call up system, while security agencies are to remove all categories 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.
It stressed that while the trailer parks were a transit point, it would ensure that broken down trucks
are towed away on a penalty, and it urged all concerned that a platform would be made available for complaints to be lodged by stakeholders.
are towed away on a penalty, and it urged all concerned that a platform would be made available for complaints to be lodged by stakeholders.
The Director General Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] Dr. Dakuku Peterside represented by Mrs. Anna James Akpan, Assistant Director, Shipping Development commended the initiative of the NPA in putting an end to the menace.
Described the port as a very important component of the maritime sector, Mrs. Akpan said: ‘’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.’’
cannot be overemphasized as it will enhance the flow and increase of revenue to both the Authority and Government.’’
Concluding the discussions, participants urged the 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 improved port operations.
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.
