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Tag: apapa

  • Apapa Marine Bridge: FG appeals to users over partial closure

    Apapa Marine Bridge: FG appeals to users over partial closure

    The Federal Government on Tuesday appealed for understanding of road users as it planned to partially close the Marine Bridge in Apapa for another round of emergency rehabilitation.

    The Acting Federal Controller of Works in Lagos State, Mrs Forosola Oloyede, made the appeal in a telephone interview with newsmen.

    Oloyede said the rehabilitation of the bridge being done in phases, was important to safeguard lives and the infrastructure.

    She said worn-out expansion joints and bearings on the bridge would be replaced while the Corbel would be repaired.

    Corbel is the weight-carrying portions of a bridge built deeply into the walls to absorb the pressure of load on a bridge.

    She said the last phased rehabilitation was done between January and March.

    “Some structural members of the bridge are in bad shape and have been awarded by the Federal Government; the Apapa Wharf bound was closed in January and has been repaired and we reopened to traffic in March.

    “Now, we are going to close the Ijora bound carriageway on the 20th of August and open it on the 20th of December,” she said.

    She said the ministry had repaired alternative routes “turning down to Mobil Filling Station and ramping up back to Marine Bridge again”.

    Oloyede added that the Leventis to Navy Dockyard Road, ramping back to the Marine Bridge, had also been repaired.

    She added that traffic architecture around all the diversion points had been reviewed to ensure minimal discomfort to road users.

    “Our hands are going to be on deck during the rehabilitation period to ensure all alternative routes are smooth to make sure that the motoring public do not suffer unnecessarily from the repairs we are doing,” she said.

    The Acting Controller assured that the traffic impact out of the Wharf was usually lighter and measures were in place for continued seamless flow.

    She added that the Federal Ministry of Works was collaborating with the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authourity (LASTMA) and the Federal Roads Safety Corps (FRSC) to ensure free flow.

    “All of them (traffic regulatory agencies) are fully on ground and they are fully aware and they are going to work with us to have a seamless traffic during the period of rehabilitation of Marine Bridge.

    She appealed to road users to cooperate with all the traffic enforcement agencies and the Police.

    Oloyede further urged them to be patient and use the alternative routes while also cooperating with government because the repair was for the good and safety of the public.

    On the scope of work, she said “we are repairing the Corbels, changing the expansion joints and we are changing the bearings. And we are going to mill and resurface that particular section”.

    NAN reports that the over 40 year-old Marine Bridge was damaged by a fire and was first awarded for repairs in 2012.

    The bridge had undergone series of phased repairs with the last concluded in March.

  • Notorious armed robbers terrorizing Apapa area of Lagos killed

    Notorious armed robbers terrorizing Apapa area of Lagos killed

    Daredevil armed robbers terrorizing the Apapa area of Lagos State have been killed by men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the daredevil robbers engaged operatives of Area B Apapa of the Lagos State Police Command in a gun duel in a bid to escape arrest.

    The robbers, however, fell to the superior firepower of the police operatives, according to a statement released on Sunday by SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Command, Ikeja-Lagos.

    “The robbers, Sodiq ’m’ aka Foreigner, recently released from prison and Habeeb ‘m’ aka Kiki, who have both been wanted for terrorizing Ajegunle and environs were trailed to their hideout in Ajegunle, where they met their Waterloo.

    “One Beretta pistol, one locally made revolver pistol with four rounds of 9mm live ammunition and one expended shell of ammunition were recovered from the robbers,” the statement reads.

    Attached below is a CCTV footage of their recent robbery.

    In another development, the Katsina Police Command on Saturday raided terrorists’ hideouts at Tandama village in Danja Local Government Area and rescued six kidnapped victims

    A statement by the Command spokesman, Superintendent Gambo Isah, said the raid of the terrorists’ hideouts was based on credible intelligence.

    He said: “On Saturday 6/08/2022 at about 0530hrs, based on credible intelligence, the Command raided terrorists hideouts at Unguwan Dako, Tandama village, Danja LGA and succeeded in rescuing 6 kidnapped victims.

    “They are: Alhaji Garba Dan Mallam, M,52 of Unguwan Nuhu, Danja LGA ,Rabiu Idris,45 of the same address, Abba Samaila, 38,Yunusa Sani, 54 of Layin Sani village, Kafur Ishaq Yakub, 40,Danjuma Samaila, 45,all of the same address”.

  • NDLEA seizes N6bn worth of drugs in Apapa

    NDLEA seizes N6bn worth of drugs in Apapa

    The Apapa Area Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), said it seized 19,703.25 kgs of hard drugs, worth over N6 billion between January and June 20.

    Its Commander, Mr Ameh Inalegwu, disclosed this in Lagos.

    He said that the command was ready to curb the menace of illegal drug dealers in the nation’s maritime space.

    ” This is already validated by the numerous seizures recorded in few months,” Inalegwu said.

    ” The drugs seized within seven days included 1,518kgs of Tafrodol and Tramadol weighing 3,553 kilograms.

    ” This is in addition to the seizures of cough syrup with Codeine in January, 40.25 Kgs of the same cough syrup with Codeine in February , 12 kgs of another cough syrup with Codeine in March.

    ” The command also recovered 350 grams of Cocaine and 150 grams of Heroin in March.

    “In summary, the command recorded a total seizure of 19,703.25kgs of assorted illicit drugs between January and June 20,” he said.

    ”Operation of the command in maritime corridor saddled it with the responsibility of waging war against drug cartels.

    ”NDLEA is mindful of the status of the sea port as a gate way and the limitless opportunities it offered to ship hard drugs in large volumes.

    ” The volumes that far outstrip what can be smuggled in through land or air transportation.

    “However , NDLEA would make the port impregnable for the cartels,” he emphasised.

    Inalegwu commended the NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa , for rekindling the war against drug cartels.

  • CBN gov, Emefiele reveals plans to decongest Apapa,Tincan Island ports

    CBN gov, Emefiele reveals plans to decongest Apapa,Tincan Island ports

    Mr Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says the commencement of the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) will help overcome the Apapa-Tincan Island port congestion.

    Emefiele said this when he visited the facility on Saturday in Itoke Village, Ibeju-Lekki Area, Lagos State.

    The entire 850 hectares free trade zone, acquired about 15 years ago, will commence operations in September 2022.

    “Ladies and gentlemen, right here, and I’m sure you went round with us, you saw the entire fabric of what is happening in this zone, It has a port.

    ”And I’m sure we all know that one of the biggest problems in Nigeria today is congestion of the Apapa and Tincan Island Ports; we have been crying about what needs to be done to decongest that area.

    “In fact, it got to the point where Mr President gave a mandate that it must be cleared, but because of certain structural problems in that Apapa and Tincan area, we have not been able to clear those containers.

    “So, we are really saying that the Lagos port operation in conjunction with Chinese investors would be commencing operation sometime around September this year.

    “It gladdens our hearts because it will totally decongest the problems that we have in Apapa and Tincan which are really at the Central of Lagos.

    “And we have been clamouring that there is need for us to have more ports where goods can come in easily and then export can go out easily without any hindrance in line with the way it is done in different parts of the world.

    “And seeing what I have seen today about your port operations that is about to commence in September, I am truly salivating to see that this starts as quickly as possible,” Emefiele said.

    The CBN governor further said that the bank would ensure it did everything possible to make the environment friendly for companies and businesses to thrive.

    “So, we’re looking into how to make sure that the policy regulations are reviewed; we have our concerns about how free trade zones operate either tax exemptions or duty free exemptions and the rest of them.

    “We would like to work with you to see how we would create a clear demarcation that separates companies that operate as free trade zones or operating in free trade zone from those that will not operate as free trade zone.

    “Whereas you will also find that a company may want to operate as a free trade zone and at the same time operate the other way. So, we need to demarcate how this will work, such that it will not result in loss of revenue,” he said.

    Emefiele also said that the apex bank would partner the state government and the Federal Ministry of Works to see how Infrastructure Corporation of Nigeria could ensure cargo evacuation from the port area, describing it as a big issue.

    He said the CBN had raised about N23 billion to fund road infrastructure, to facilitate smooth evacuation of cargo out of the port.

  • APM Terminals Apapa transforming into world-class facility – Country manager

    APM Terminals Apapa transforming into world-class facility – Country manager

    The Country Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Mr Klaus Laursen, on Sunday said that the terminal was rapidly transforming into a world-class facility.

    Laursen made this known in a statement in Lagos while reviewing the performance of APM Terminals Apapa in 2021.

    He added that APM Terminals Apapa, one of the largest container terminals in West Africa, had been on a remarkable transformation journey over the past few years.

    Laursen said that the company had a strong ambition to become a world-class terminal operator that enables access to jobs, products, foods and medicine for a better life.

    “Here in APM Terminals Apapa, it is not just about moving boxes around.

    “We are the heartbeat for the Nigerian local society, we create value for our customers, and we do our best to ensure that our people are here because they want to be here,” he said.

    Laursen said the transformation of APM Terminals Apapa would create an engaging work environment for all stakeholders.

    “However, it is a process with many elements that require prioritisation and time to mature and make sustainable changes,” he said.

    The Terminal Manager of APM Terminals Apapa, Mr Steen Knudsen, was quoted by the statement as saying that now, more than ever, global trade needed efficient port operations and integrated solutions.

    “We started a new and exciting journey in Apapa last year, a significant amount of new equipment deployed; we are improving our facilities and kicked off a significant training plan for all employees across functions and levels.

    “This journey is our transformation to international standards.

    “It is important that we embrace the transformation and accept that it is a multi-year journey, which is closely linked to our values as a company, and our primary objective to create value for the Nigerian economy.

    “Transformation will offer all of us exciting new challenges, which we can all learn and grow from,” he said.

    Knudsen noted that the ongoing implementation of APM Terminals global initiatives would provide a strong foundation to deliver consistent and repeatable standard processes.

    He added that this would help drive the company’s strategy of becoming a world-class terminal operator, enhance seamless flow of operations and increase efficiency.

    “We have been putting a significant focus on employee engagement, looking into different aspects of our workforce well-being at individual, team and community levels.

    “The focus has been on encouragement of feedback culture development, team bonding, investment into people’s personal and professional development and grooming our leadership capabilities,” Knudsen said.

    He said that the company in 2022 would continue to invest in its people, complete the ongoing facility upgrade, strengthen its capabilities and raise its level of engagement with stakeholders.

    “We are here to lead the container terminal industry forward by continuously improving and transforming the rules of the game,” he said.

    APM Terminals Apapa is the largest container terminal in Nigeria with an investment of over 438 million dollars in equipment, facilities and other elements of its operations over the last 15 years.

    The terminal has continued to introduce new innovations to help both shipping lines and landside customers achieve improved supply chain efficiency and flexibility in a cost-effective manner.

  • Apapa Customs Command generates N870.39bn in 2021

    Apapa Customs Command generates N870.39bn in 2021

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Apapa Area Command, says the command generated N870.39 billion revenue from January to December 2021.

    The Area Controller, Comptroller Malanta Ibrahim, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

    Ibrahim added that the command during the period intercepted contraband goods worth N31.23 billion.

    Ibrahim noted that the revenue generated had been remitted to the federation and non-federation accounts of the Federal Government respectively.

    He said that the revenue profile of the command had significantly increased by about 68 per cent when compared with N518.4 billion generated in 2020.

    “The year 2022 is a year of hope and high expectations, particularly with increase in the service revenue target of N4.1trillion.

    “For us in Apapa area command, we have already boarded and fastened our seat belts toward the realisation of this revenue target and we will leverage on deployment of digital transformation.

    “The transformation will further harmonise the activities of our stakeholders toward a seamless ease of doing business in the port,’’ he said.

    Ibrahim noted that the command in line with the provision of extant circulars, trade guidelines and enforcement of government policy measures strengthened its anti-smuggling operations against economic saboteurs.

    He pointed out that this was through credible intelligence driven operations and continuous partnering with other relevant agencies for effective port management.

    Ibrahim said the command made 103 seizures and worthy to mention was the seizure of 46.55 kilogramme of cocaine concealed on vessels MV Karteria and MV Chayanee Naree laden with raw sugar.

    He listed some of the seized items as: foreign parboiled rice, tomato paste, secondhand clothes, unregistered pharmaceuticals like captagon pills, tramadol, codeine syrup and others.

    “These were seizures made in accordance with provision sections 46, 47 and 161 of CEMA (Customs and Excise Management Act) Cap C45 LFN 2004.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to repeat here that no matter whose ox is gored the command is not going to tolerate any form of illicit behavior in the trade supply chain.

    “We are not only going to expose these recalcitrant traders, we will ensure that they are brought to book with maximum penalty under the laws of the land,’’ he said.

    On export, he said the command recorded a boom in exportation of non-oil commodities with about 110 per cent increase in tonnage.

    Ibrahim said that the Free on Board value for exported items also rose to 641 million dollars from 340 milion dollars in 2020.

    He listed the items exported to include steel bars, agricultural and mineral products, among others.

    The area controller said that the command had strengthened risk assessment capacity through forensic system audit and dispute resolution procedures in accordance with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) standard.

    Ibrahim said that the command had achieved industrial harmony with all government agencies in Apapa port especially the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and others.

    He said that as regards the scanners gotten, 70 per cent of its procedures had been deployed, noting that by end of February, it would be fully deployed.

    The area controller added that deployment of the scanner would not only increase revenue but would beef up security due to the fact that it would reveal any kind of concealment.

    Also, Mrs Olufumilayo Olotu, Port Manager, Lagos Port Complex, said that as regards export, presently lilypond had been identified as the final export processing centre for goods coming to the port complex.

    Olori said that the NCS and other government agencies would be informed of the takeoff date in due course.

    “This means that whatever has been done and sealed there can now approach the port, no stoppage along the port corridor; it is just for them to come to the port and then to the vessel.

    “If we are an import dependent nation, it will not build our economy, it is when we are able to export our goods and they reach the destination in the right quality and quantity, then the nation can compete effectively in the sub-region,’’ she said.

    The manager said that collaboration among agencies in the port corridor was key and activities within this axis had been very successful because of the collaboration enjoyed by everyone.

    “We are all here to ensure that the necessary platform is given for everybody to do the right thing and for the name Nigeria not to attract any negative comment anymore,’’ she said.

  • NPA introduces measures to address Apapa gridlock

    NPA introduces measures to address Apapa gridlock

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced various measures to address the endemic vehicular gridlock in Apapa, its acting Managing Director, Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, has said.

    A statement by Mr Olaseni Alakija, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, quoted the NPA as outlining the measures in a TV breakfast show in Lagos.

    It quoted Bello-Koko as saying that the increasing deployment of the electronic call-up infrastructure for cargo trucks, popularly known as ‘Eto’, launched in February, had greatly resolved the Apapa vehicular gridlock.

    “Five months after assuming office as the acting managing director, the incremental deployment of the electronic call-up infrastructure for cargo trucks, known as ‘Eto’, launched in February has, to a large extent, resolved the Apapa vehicular gridlock.

    “The authority keeps reviewing and improving on the system.

    “While the authority is not unmindful of the pains of Apapa residents, what remains is to address the gridlock caused by the failed portion, along the Mile 2 to Tin-Can Port road.

    “As soon as the entire stretch of the Tin-Can Port highway is completed, the perennial gridlock within Apapa wil be completely eliminated.

    “After this, the NPA will fully deploy the ‘Eto’ call-up infrastructure, for trucks along the Tin-Can Port corridor,” he said.

    Debunking insinuations that the ‘Eto’ system had been compromised, the NPA boss explained that a comprehensive review of the system had been done.

    He added that the system manager had been directed to, as a matter of urgency, address all areas of deficiencies.

    Bello-Koko noted that with the infrastructure upgrades, coupled with the support of the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders, the vehicular gridlock along the Ijora – Apapa axis, had reduced by over 80 per cent.

    He further stated that the authority had fully embraced multimodal transportation by encouraging better use of barges and port-rail.

    According to him, this has enhanced the movement of laden and empty containers in and out of the ports, a development that has brought significant reduction in the cost of doing business at the ports.

    “As part of efforts to kick-off the electronic call up system, a fully automated transit truck park was established.

    “Already, 29 satellite parks have been approved to ensure that trucks coming to do business in the port are properly profiled and verified.

    “Out of the 29 parks, about eight have met the required standards, which include installation of bollards, CCTVs, automated gate systems and relevant information technology equipment,” he said.

    He added that the e-call-up system had streamlined cargo evacuation and truck movements.

    According to him, this is apart from few isolated cases, where some truck drivers tried to subvert the system by not adhering strictly to the truck manifest and arrangement, with its attendant disruption,

    Bello-Koko added that the technology in place had brought a level of sanity to the roads.

    He also attributed the elimination of the Apapa gridlock to the new policy introduced by the authority.

    According to him, the policy compels shipping lines to ship out no less than 80 per cent of the number of containers shipped in, for every voyage, be it empty containers or export cargo.

    “Over time, we discovered that most shipping lines were storing their empty containers in Nigeria, which was cheaper for them.

    “But we have introduced a policy whereby shipping companies should take back 80 per cent of the laden containers they brought into the country from the stock of empties and export cargo.

    “This has also reduced the number of trucks with empty containers waiting on the roads.

    “What this means in a lay man’s language is that, if a vessel brings 100 containers, for instance, such vessel must take back 80 containers which must be among the empties and export containers, without which she will not be allowed to sail out of the ports,” he said.

    The NPA boss declared that a total of 80,000 trucks had so far registered on the ‘Eto’ platform.

    He noted, however, that only 16,000 of them had met the minimum safety standards, which was an indication that more work needed to be done to enthrone safety and prevent accidents within the port area.

    Bello-Koko said that the authority had also embarked on ‘operation green’, through which all illegal structures and shanties on port access roads in Apapa were cleared.

    According to him, the move formed part of efforts to ensure free flow of traffic in the area.

    He stated that barge operators were now being guided by revised standard operating procedures (SOP).

    Bello-Koko said that this was to ensure efficient and safe barge operations, urging owners to comply with the rule, if they wanted to operate.

    “When we approved the use of the barges, we discovered that many of them (operators), did not have radio communication equipment on board and we directed them to install the equipment.

    “We also insisted that these barges must be sea worthy before they are allowed to sail, so as to forestall a situation where they breakdown at the middle of the channel, which would cause massive disruptions to shipping.

    “We are also developing an electronic call-up system for the barges, just like what we have for the trucks on the roads, so as to ensure that we streamline their operations,” he said.

  • Apapa gridlock my greatest headache – NPA MD

    Apapa gridlock my greatest headache – NPA MD

    The agonising traffic gridlock on the Apapa road leading to the port has constituted a major headache to the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), its acting Managing Director, Alhaji Mohammed Bello-Koko, has said.

    Bello-Koko told newsmen on Sunday in Lagos that the traffic congestion problem had defied solutions “for more than 10 years now”.

    With lots of trucks and other articulated vehicles always queueing to enter or come out of the Apapa port, the route is persistently chaotic with the heavy gridlock spanning several kilometres across Lagos.

    “At NPA, we believe that priority needs to be given to our export cargo, but the major challenge for me is how to solve the gridlock in Apapa.

    “One of the first executive actions I took when I was appointed was to visit the Tin can Apapa corridor to ensure that the right things are done and the right infrastructure is deployed. We are getting there gradually.

    “We have put in measures to minimise the congestion in and around the port. NPA was using manual manifest and call up system which was not very effective because of human interference.

    “We have brought in ETO (electronic call-up system), to ensure smooth inward and outward movement of cargo from the port.

    “The company, TTP was given Lilly ponds on when they should operate. The idea was to ensure that all trucks coming in are supposed to move from trailers parks to Lilly ponds then to the port.

    “They were supposed to have deployed some physical and electronic infrastructure but that was not done. When I was appointed, I gave them ultimatum to ensure that those items are installed as quickly as possible.

    “I can assure you today that there has been more deployment of assets by TTP.

    “I also requested that we need to sit down and reappraise what they have achieved. Incidentally.

    “ETO was 90 days old when I resumed. We did an analysis to see where we are, what has been achieved and we identified where the gaps were. So, what I did was to push for immediate implementation of the agreement between us and TTP.

    “The idea of enforcement, whatever you come up with, there must be enforcement, so we liaised with the Lagos State Government to ensure that we have the right security operatives on ground.

    “We have also collaborated with Lagos State Government through Lagos State Transport Management Agency (LASMA), which has brought a bit more sanity to the system.

    “Because of our intense focus, there is already some improvement. There is better flow of traffic. But let me finally say that the major hindrance to ETO is the road.

    “The Tin Can corridor is bad. We have had discussions with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure that the construction company deploys its gadgets to start construction around that area.

    “We have also complained about multiple checkpoints which we have tried to reduce because it is bringing a lot of extortions and creating a lot of traffic.

    “The final issue is the stakeholders themselves; they need to buy into this. I keep saying that the worst of ETO is better than the best of the last system that we were using,” he said.

    He said that NPA had met with stakeholders and agreed that any truck park that did not install CCTV, ensure proper convenience for vehicle owners and drivers and had no automated gate system should be delisted.

    “The idea is for the truck parks to be dovetailed into the ETO system,” he declared.

    He also spoke on other challenges at the port and agreed that some were caused by people out to sabotage NPA’s efforts.

    “What we have observed is interference by government agencies and the stakeholders themselves.

    “Rather than pay the ETO ticket, they find a way to bring in military men. You find out that at night, military men escort vehicles which is sabotage.

    “The stakeholders themselves need to buy into the ETO system. We have had Town Hall meetings with stakeholders to let them understand that this is a system that we are not going to change.

    “The world has gone automated, so we need to reduce human interference.”

    The managing director also complained about the activities of touts generally referred to as “area boys”.

    “They (area boys) are involved in extortion and find ways to divert these trucks. We discovered a building not far away from Apapa gate where one can get a number plate printed in less than 20 minutes.

    “This number can be used to get an ETO ticket. We have told the security agencies; they have raided the building and investigations are ongoing. So, we are moving from the normal ETO that has digits to QR codes which are difficult to duplicate.

    “There are also saboteurs even among our staff. We have had to issue queries to NPA staff involved and we are taking actions.

    We have sent some home to allow for proper investigation. Others have been queried and some have been moved across ports.

    “We have made it clear that we shall not tolerate saboteurs in the system no matter where they are coming from,” he said.

    He emphasised that for the ETO system to work properly, there has to be multiple trailer parks.

    “We advertised and people showed interest in providing the parks that NPA will use for the ETO.

    “We gave them what was needed for them to qualify: uninterrupted power supply because of the CCTV and the automated systems, Internet access network, and Automated gate systems.

    “Some of them have started while some of them have not. Those that have not deployed, we have given them a few more days but I think that in not more than 10 days, any park that does not meet those requirements, we will delist it and give others a chance.

    “If the parks are not effective and don’t meet what we want, then the efficiency of ETO will also be affected. We have given them a couple of days after which we will delist any one of them that doesn’t meet the requirements.

    “As at our last meeting, the decision is to give them maximum of two weeks,” he said.

  • Lagos Govt gives update on Apapa gridlock

    Lagos Govt gives update on Apapa gridlock

    Lagos State Government has said the Apapa traffic gridlock has improved, just as it urged terminal operators to support the interventions put in place to end the traffic gridlock in Apapa and its environs.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos State on Transportation, Mr. Oluwatoyin Fayinka disclosed this during an operation review meeting with terminal operators at the Tin Can Island ports in Apapa.

    Fayinka, who also doubles as the Chairman, Traffic Management Enforcement Team, declared that the meeting is in continuation of efforts to enlist the support of all critical stakeholders in the Ports at Apapa to eliminate traffic gridlock which has the Terminal Operators playing a critical role.

    He noted that traffic in and out of Apapa and its environs has improved drastically, saying “If you come in through Eko Bridge, Ijora, Sifas or Iganmu, the road is free. The only problem we are having now is from Area B to the Port”.

    Speaking on the plan to bring Shippers to the round table so that they can be in sync with the transport initiative of the present administration, Fayinka said, “We have actually met with Shippers Council and they told us they are ready. We have agreed that the next meeting will be to engage the Shippers Council, the truckers, the terminal operators, Nigerian Ports Authority and every other stakeholder, so that they can all reveal their challenges”.

    “This is necessary because we will want the Shippers Council to be up and doing in the evacuation of empty containers. It is their responsibility to remove empty containers from blocking the roads”, he disclosed.

    The Chairman of Apapa Local Government Area, Mr. Adele Elijah, while charging terminal operators on the need to support the e-call up system, noted that the time of making excuses is over and everyone must cooperate with the State Government on Apapa traffic gridlock intervention.

    “The traffic situation has to be drastically reduced so that even your businesses can thrive. When the road is free, the turnover for you will be high. Traffic causes health, security, environmental and other societal problems. I am begging us, let us make this work”, the LG Chairman said.

    Also speaking at the event, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Central Business Districts, Mr. Sola Giwa, informed the terminal operators to automate their operations and sync up effectively with the ETO system designed to sequence and batch trucks coming into the ports.

    Giwa also revealed that Truckers have expressed frustrations at some of the actions of the Holding Bay operators, adding that 48 hours evacuation will be executed at Tincan just as it was done at Apapa Ports which was effective.

    In her response, Princess Vicky Hastrup, Chairman Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), stressed that the existence of Petroleum Tank Farms within Apapa area was the beginning of the traffic woes of the area. She asked the State Government to engage the Federal Government and relocate the Tank Farms as the State was sitting on a keg of gunpowder.

    However, the terminal operators promised the State Government that they will not constitute any form of encumbrance to the current intervention in place to end the traffic gridlock in Apapa and its environs.

    The Forum also advised Tincan Port Operators to inform the authorities about members of staff and other officials indulging in sharp practices detrimental to the entire process.

  • JUST IN: Tank farm in Apapa gutted by fire [VIDEO]

    JUST IN: Tank farm in Apapa gutted by fire [VIDEO]

    A tank farm belonging to Oando Plc located at Marine Beach, Ijora, Lagos State was on Thursday gutted by fire.

    Mr Ibrahim Farinloye, the Acting Zonal Coordinator, South West Zonal Office, (NEMA) confirmed the development to newsmen in Lagos.
    Farinloye said the cause of the fire which started at the depot about 12.05 p.m. was yet to be ascertained.

    He said all employees working in the facility had been safely evacuated.

    According to him, officials of the Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Fire Service and the Lagos State Fire Service are presently trying to extinguish the inferno.