The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has identified petroleum tankers and non-state actors as major contributors to the persistent traffic congestion along the Mile 2 – Tincan Island port road, warning that without effective control measures, the perennial traffic issues in the area may be indefinite.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting organized by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Lagos on Thursday, Mr. Charles Okaga, the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, highlighted the importance of addressing the challenges posed by petroleum tankers and non-state actors in resolving the chaos along the Tincan axis.
Okaga emphasized the need for a sequential call-up system for petroleum tankers to the respective tank farms and depots, stating that, “if we can bring the issue of petroleum tankers under control and implement sequential call-up procedures, we are halfway through solving the chaos in the Mile 2 – Tincan axis.”
He further noted that resolving issues related to non-state actors along with those concerning petroleum tankers, would significantly alleviate the traffic challenges in the area. Okaga stressed the collective responsibility of all stakeholders in finding solutions to the situation, urging proactive measures from both government agencies and port users.
Acknowledging the progress made since the introduction of the electronic call-up system, Okaga emphasized the need for continuous improvement and effective enforcement of regulations to ensure smoother operations along the port corridors.
In his remarks, Mr. Ayodele Durowaye who represented the Managing Director of NPA, emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to enhance port efficiency. He expressed readiness to engage with stakeholders to improve existing policies and create a conducive environment for port operations.
Echoing the call for automation, Chief Remi Ogungbemi, former President of the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), emphasized the transformative potential of automation in streamlining port processes and reducing human interference. He said “automation is the solution, there is no other way around it.”
Similarly, Ese Egbosimba, a representative of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, underscored the role of automation in addressing traffic challenges along port corridors, advocating for stakeholder collaboration to implement effective solutions. She stated, “I want to call on all critical stakeholders to speak up.”
Earlier, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, President of MARAN had highlighted concerns over challenges facing the electronic call-up system, emphasizing the need for transparency, infrastructure improvement, and eradication of corruption to enhance port efficiency. He said, “critical stakeholders have raised concerns.These issues have led to congestion, gridlock, and increased operational costs.”
The meeting aimed to explore workable solutions to rectify anomalies associated with the electronic call-up system and ensure its effective implementation for the benefit of the entire maritime industry. Discussions focused on government initiatives, automation, reduction of human intervention, and eradication of corruption along port access roads to alleviate congestion and enhance efficiency.
