Determined to clear the port corridor of congestion, the management of Nigerian Ports Authority, in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and other relevant agencies, recently embarked on a three-day clean-up and sensitisation operation at the Lagos Port Corridors.
In a statement on Friday, the NPA disclosed that the exercise themed, ‘NPA security clearance operations 2025’, would eliminate security threats and environmental hazards, which have long plagued the Nigerian ports.
“It aims to tackle the issues hindering smooth operations at the ports and pave the way for greater port efficiency.
“The scope of this extensive clean-up operation covers all entry approaches to the Tincan Island Complex, Lagos Port Complex, Kirikiri Lighter Terminals I & II, and the port environs,” the statement read in part.
It was reiterated that the goal of the exercise is to flush out criminal elements, miscreants, hoodlums, remove shanties, kiosks, and containers that obstruct the free flow of traffic, and “pose a threat to the safety of personnel, cargo, and vessels.”
The statement stressed that the initiative also aligns with the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code measures developed by the International Maritime Organisation to ensure the safety and security of ports worldwide.
Speaking during the flag-off of the exercise, the Managing Director of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, emphasised that the ports’ access roads and environs are international corridors.
The MD, who was represented at the event by the General Manager, Security at NPA, Anthony Edosomwan, maintained that the ports are the gateway to the national economy and the NPA has a responsibility to collaborate with relevant agencies to ensure that sanity is maintained.
“The operations will not only improve the safety and security of the ports but also contribute to the economic growth of the nation.
“The congestion and delays caused by these issues have been a major hindrance to the efficient functioning of ports, affecting trade facilitation and ultimately, the nation’s Gross Domestic Product,” Dantsoho said.
Dantsoho said to ensure the success of the operation, the NPA’s security division had previously carried out enlightenment campaigns to sensitise the public on the importance of the exercise.
“This is a crucial step in gathering support and cooperation from all stakeholders, including port users, traders, and residents in the surrounding areas,” he stressed.
He reiterated that the NPA remains unwavering in its commitment to achieving environmental sustainability and maintaining a clear and safe port environment.
“Indeed, the negative impact of pollution and encroachment on the ports cannot be ignored. This clean-up operation is not only beneficial to the ports’ operations but also to the surrounding communities and the environment as a whole,” he added.
The NPA boss noted that the operation is part of the broader initiative aimed at tackling congestion issues and paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future for Nigeria’s ports.
He stated that by collaborating with relevant agencies and carrying out necessary awareness campaigns, the NPA is also calling for public collaboration.
