The Nigerian Ports Authority has established a joint-task team aimed at addressing the renewed issue of traffic congestion blocking entry routes to the Lagos port as part of an ongoing effort to ensure smooth movement of goods and maintain improved performance within the port.
An initiative was launched after a recent gathering of interested parties organized by the Chief Executive Officer of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, during which law enforcement bodies, shipping agents, transport companies, and officials from the Lagos State government reached an agreement on joint actions aimed at removing obstacles hindering the flow of goods.
A release published on Tuesday mentioned that participants at the gathering highlighted unlawful toll booths, overlapping responsibilities within security organizations, and additional operational shortcomings as primary causes for the increased traffic jam in the port area.
Commenting on the result of the discussion, Mr. Ikechukwu Onyemekara, the National Ports Authority's Director for Corporate and Strategic Communications, stated that the organization's main focus is to "ensure smooth transportation of goods into and out of the country's sea ports."
As he stated, the task force includes the NPA, the Police, the National Association of Government-Approved Freight Forwarders, the Association of Nigerian-Licensed Customs Agents, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Operators, and the Association of Maritime Truck Owners.
"The duty of the task force is to regularly check vehicle traffic on the port entry roads, detect any issues that could lead to congestion, and promptly address these problems," Onyemekara stated.
He stated, "Team members would not set up roadblocks along the route but would keep a focused presence at specific spots to guarantee adherence without hindering vehicle movement."
In order to improve quick reaction times, Onyemekara revealed that the team has established a specialized WhatsApp channel allowing participants to immediately alert about violations or new traffic problems for prompt action.
Regarding the delayed extension of the Electronic Truck Appointment System contract, the NPA spokesperson stated that the agency is examining the conditions to establish a stronger legal structure prior to granting a new deal.
He stated that even though the prior agreement had ended, the ETO platform continues to function under the supervision of the Truck Transit Parks until the purchasing procedure is finalized, showing assurance that the extension will be completed shortly.
Stressing the NPA's dedication to ensuring open access routes at ports, Onyemekara stated that effective logistics continue to be crucial for the NPA's efforts to boost Nigeria's port competitiveness and protect its rising global image.
"We have a greater stake in ensuring the smooth movement of goods through our ports compared to others since it directly benefits us. When considering the global acknowledgment we've received, such as the World Bank study, we are resolved to maintain and potentially exceed the progress made so far within our port infrastructure. Rest assured, we continue to be wholly dedicated to maximizing the efficiency of our ports," Onyemekara stated.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).