Police warn against vandalism of port infrastructure in Rivers

Moshood Jimoh, the Police Commissioner, Eastern Ports, has expressed concerns over the vandalism of seaport facilities in Rivers.

Jimoh made the expression in Port Harcourt on Thursday while speaking at a conference with the theme: “Advancing Global Logistics in the Blue Economy”

He conference was organised by the Coalition of Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (COMJAN).

Represented by his assistant, AC Remy Obirieze, Jimoh said that the conference provided an opportunity for stakeholders to collaborate towards preserving the nation’s marine economy

He said that the police in collaboration with sister agencies had recorded several arrests and prosecution of suspected criminals and port infrastructure vandals.

”We shall remain committed in our efforts to build a formidable force against vandals and criminal elements at the seaports,” he said.

Mr Mustapha Hashim, Area 1 Comptroller, Nigeria Customs Service, commended COMJAN for the conference, describing it as timely.

Represented by his deputy, DC Ezenwa Ifeyinwa, Hashim said that the conference would strengthen synergy amongst maritime economy stakeholders.

He said that the Nigerian Customs Service would continue to build bridges between maritime business operators and policy makers to enhance the ease of business.

Mr Anselm Okechuku, the Onne chapter Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, urged the Federal Government to improve road infrastructure at the Eastern Ports.

He said that the popular FOT roundabout linking the Onne Port had become a deathtrap, saying, ” very urgent steps are needed to rehabilitate the road”

“I commend the Nigeria Customs Service for initiating seamless documentation procedures, this is a step in the right direction.

“The Federal Government should rehabilitate the road networks at the ports to complement the effects of the customs service.

In his address, Mr Ralph John, COMJAN President, urged the business community to effectively harness potentials in the blue economy in order to improve the nation’s GDP.