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NPA embarks on sensitization programme on transit trailer parks for improved port operations

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In furtherance of its renewed commitment and vigour towards ending the present gridlock that had persisted at Apapa and its environs leading to the Ports, the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] is at the verge of commissioning two transit parks located at Lillypond and Tin can Island Second Gate which it strongly believes would enhance effective Port Operations and improved service delivery across board just as it rightly informed stakeholders in the Maritime sector that priority would be given to Truckers with empties and exports.
These remarks were made by the Managing Director of the Organization represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr. Sokonte Davies at an interactive Stakeholders meeting between Management and critical Stakeholders held at the Rock View Hotels Apapa.
Dr. Sokonte while rolling out the Management’s plan reinstated that the 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’’
According to the Acting Managing Director, 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. 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. 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 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 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.
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