THE Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has implored Jetty operators in Tin Can Island to support ongoing efforts to tackle perennial traffic gridlock within Apapa metropolis in Lagos State.
 
Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal [KLT], General Manager, Western Ports, Chief Michael Ajayi urged Jetty operators in Tin Can Island axis to support “in concrete terms” Federal Government efforts to solve the perennial Apapa gridlock.

He appealed to the Jetty operators to put in place “enduring and lasting measures” within their operational areas to ensure smooth traffic flow along the Apapa -Oshodi Express Way.

Ajayi, according to a statement issued by NPA reiterated that it was necessary for the Jetty operators to support government efforts, noting that it would be to their advantage to have a permanent solution to the problem, “considering how it affects their operations”.

At the MRS, Ajayi enjoined the management to assist in clearing the trucks along the inner route leading to the Tin Can Port main gate, adding that the management should consider repairing some portions of the road leading to the entrance of the Jetty.

Receiving the General Manager at the Ibru Jetties, Vice Chairman, Chief Oscar Ibru reiterated the company’s resolve to support Federal Government as part of measures to find lasting solution to the Apapa traffic problem.

He said the company had in the last four years collaborated with appropriate Government agencies to find solution to the problem.

Meanwhile to tackle traffic gridlock along ports access roads in Lagos State, the Managing Director of NPA, Habib Abdullahi  recently called for the provision of adequate rail lines from the ports to major cities in Nigeria.

Addressing a stakeholder’s forum comprising of Senate Committee on Marine and other stakeholders in Lagos, recently, Abdullahi described NPA as the most affected organisation, “We (NPA) are very eager to see that permanent solution is preferred to the problem”.

He recalled that in the past, rail lines convey cargoes from the ports to other parts of the country, adding that the resuscitation of these services will further reduce the hardship being faced by commuters and other stakeholders.

According to Abdullahi, transportation of petroleum products by rail from the ports to the North, particularly Kano, which he witnessed as a youth no longer exist.

He called on relevant agencies to rise up to this challenge by reviving rail network in the country. While pledging the readiness of the Authority to complement the efforts of other agencies whose responsibilities it is to provide the needed facilities, Abdullahi suggested that petroleum products could also be transported through pipe from the ports to other destinations.

The Chairman of the committee and former Governor of Zamfara State, Senator Yerima Ahmed Sani explained that the committee embarked on the exercise as a result of the resolutions passed by the Senate expressing concern about the gridlock.

He said the committee would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that the problem of gridlock in Apapa is solved.

Sani called on all stakeholders to come up with suggestions on how best to combat the menace, pointing out that whatever affects the efficiency of the port operations affect the Nation’s economy.