Apparently worried about the influx of questionable ‘port users’ into its Tin Can Island port, and the culpability of the various ‘business’ premises around the port, the Nigeria Port Authority [NPA], has shut the popular ‘any man canteen’, explaining that the aged canteen premises has turned to an abode for undesirables who allegedly converge there every day to carry out nefarious activities.
Apparently worried about the influx of questionable ‘port users’ into its Tin Can Island port, and the culpability of the various ‘business’ premises around the port, the Nigeria Port Authority [NPA], has shut the popular ‘any man canteen’, explaining that the aged canteen premises has turned to an abode for undesirables who allegedly converge there every day to carry out nefarious activities.
The eatery, Shipping Position Daily gathered, was shutdown recently, even though it still retains its crowd of clearing agents and other port users who are found in large number outside the canteen gate.
But confirming the closure to our correspondent via the telephone on Monday, the port manager, Tin Can Island Port, Mr Ephraim Efioita revealed that before the closure, a notice of eviction was served on all occupants of the canteen.
The port manager reiterated that the place was being used as a hide out for unwanted people at the port who use the place to carry out all forms illegal businesses and that such is unfriendly to port operations and businesses.
He added that apart from the closure of the canteen, the environment was also unhealthy to humans, stressing that the huge refuse found on the spot was against health regulations of the seaport.
He also noted that the place has been given to the Federal ministry of works.
According to him, ’’it is basically for two reasons why the place was shutdown, one is because of the refuse in that area and secondly that place has been infiltrated by all kinds of people with questionable character, you see people mounting their umbrellas and using the umbrella to carry out all forms of activities, thus these are the things we are trying to check at the port.’’
“Also we had earlier served them a notice of eviction that we will terminate all businesses going on at the port and the place has been given to the ministry of works” ,he disclosed.
The any man canteen was built by NPA at both the Lagos Port Complex(Apapa port) and Tin Can Port as a staff canteen for its employees. While the one at Apapa port has since been demolished in the wake of port concession, the one at Tin Can port was spared.
The any man canteen has over the years become a sprawling business complex, serving as office accommodation for clearing agents, traders and operators of foods and all sorts of drinks; including alcohol.
It has also been severally fingered for offering shelter to perpetrators of illicit activities in and around the port.
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