The management of ENL Consortium, operators of one of Nigeria’s busiest cargo terminals at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, has emphasised its unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and emergency preparedness.
This is even as the terminal debunked reports alleging that a cargo ship was gutted by fire at its facility on Saturday.
On Saturday, The PUNCH reported that a cargo ship, CHANG MIN, reportedly had some sections gutted by fire while anchored at one of the terminals in Apapa Port in Lagos on Friday.
The Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, stated this in a statement cited by our correspondent.
LASEMA explained that the vessel was laden with cargo, including CNG trucks, wooden products, tyres, and other highly combustible products.
However, giving an update on the incident, the terminal, ENL Consortium, in a statement on Sunday, explained that there was no fire incident aboard the vessel in question.
According to the company, what occurred was the emission of smoke from one of the hatches of the ship, a situation that was swiftly identified and effectively curtailed without escalation.
“There was no naked fire on the ship. The smoke was quickly traced, and our emergency response team acted immediately in line with established safety protocols. The situation was promptly brought under control,” the statement read in part.
The company further noted that no lives were at risk, and there was no damage to cargo, equipment, or infrastructure at the terminal.
“ENL Consortium emphasised its unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and emergency preparedness. The quick and professional handling of the incident highlights the company’s strong safety culture and the effectiveness of its rapid response systems,” the statement added.
While expressing concern over what it described as inaccurate and exaggerated reports, the terminal operator urged the public and media outlets to seek verified information and refrain from sensationalising incidents that have been properly managed.
The company added that port operations at ENL Terminal remain safe, stable, and fully operational, adding that it “remains one of Nigeria’s leading port terminal operators, handling thousands of tonnes of cargo annually with a track record of safety and efficiency.
The company reiterated its dedication to ensuring that both personnel and cargo are protected at all times through strict adherence to global safety standards.
