The Nigerian Ports Authority has embarked upon a sensitisation programme to educate the public about the benefits of transit trailer parks.
The agency indicated in a statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Jatto Adams, that the move was part of efforts and commitment to end the gridlock along the port access roads.
It quoted the Managing Director, NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman, as saying that two transit truck parks at Lillypond and Tin Can Island Second Gate were set for inauguration.
Usman, who was represented by the Executive Director, Marine and Operations, Dr Sokonte Davies, expressed the belief that the truck parks would enhance effective port operations and improved service delivery across the board.
She also assured stakeholders in the maritime sector that priority would be given to truckers with empties and to exporters.
Bala-Usman reiterated that the NPA as a landlord would not fold its arms and allow total breakdown of the system.
She said some of the plans put in place included mandating the incoming task force to ensure that all trucks were not allowed to park on the bridges.
Shipping lines and terminal operators must synergise their operations to ensure the success of the call up system.
Security agencies were to remove all categories of trucks milling round the port environment and traffic and law enforcement agents were to ensure that the Tin Can Island – Mile 2 corridor was 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.
The NPA stressed that while the trailer parks were transit points, it would ensure that broken down trucks were 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, Dr Dakuku Peterside, who was represented by Assistant Director, Shipping Development, Mrs Anna James Akpan, eulogised the initiative of the NPA. He 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 overemphasised as it will enhance the flow and increase of revenue to both the NPA and the government.’’
At the end of the discussions, participants urged the NPA management to ensure that their members were made relevant in committees just as they further pledged their loyalty to the NPA in ensuring that the call up system was effectively implemented for the growth and development of the maritime sector and most especially the Gross Domestic Product of Nigeria.
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.
