Group seeks synergy with NPA to address ports’ challenges

The Advocacy For Maritime Development Association (AMDAN) has harped on the need for information sharing with management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as part measures to address issues bordering on extortion and the electronic call-up system within the port environment.

President of AMDAN, Segun Alabi, made this known during a courtesy visit to the management of the NPA yesterday, in Lagos.

According to him, extortion at the ports has continued to rise; pointing out that vital information sharing would assist management to progress in its service deliveries.

While highlighting some of the challenges in the cargo clearance section of the ports, Alabi maintained that despite the encumbrances and extortion by security personnel and police officers, there was the need to checkmate the illegalities.

The president further said the e-call up system could only succeed if management of the NPA is fully informed about the operational activities and movement of cargoes in and out of the two seaports in Lagos.

He, however, stressed the need to curb some of the setbacks affecting the process through information from stakeholders.

On his part, Public Relations Officer of the Advocacy group, Onyema Emmanuel called on management of the NPA to give exportation of Nigerian commodities priority in accessing the seaports.

Onyema added that stripping activities within Tin Can Island Ports Complex, if not nipped in the bud could lead to the return of congestion at the port premises.

He also expressed worries about the shortage of security and traffic personnel of the NPA at Tin Can Island Port, calling on management to recruit workers to fill the vacuum.

The spokesman affirmed that the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC) has maintained a standard that should be emulated by TCIPC against the backdrop of human traffic and extortion.

Responding, the Acting Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko, debunked allegations of scrapping the e-call up system, noting that rather than scrapping, management would improve on the system by way of review, fortification and modification of the process.