Port Harcourt Port Makes History

In a bid to make it more compliant with dictates of the International Ships and Ports facility Security Code (ISPS), Port Harcourt port has now been fitted with the much-desired electronic access control system. The port has thus scored a first as the first port in Nigeria to enjoy such facility.
Conducting newsmen round the new control system and explaining how its works, the consultant, Oren Berinbaum, from Map Telecommunications Ltd said that the new device will control movement of vehicles, persons and goods into and out of the port.
Explaining how the new system works, he said the drivers will be given computerized access cards that they can flash at the system and the gate automatically opens for them to go in. He added that Close Circuit Television  (CCTV) cameras have also been installed for a round-the-clock monitoring of the gates.
According to him, with the installation of access control device, only legitimate persons with real business transactions can come into the ports. He added that another advantage of the new system is to make the ports more efficient than it is now, control congestion of vehicles inside the ports, eliminate human interaction with policemen and other security personnel and help the management to have better control of vehicular and human traffic into and out of the port.
Mr. Berinbaum disclosed further that pedestrian gate  is also fitted with same electronic device adding that for irregular ports users, including visitors, there is provision for daily cards, which they can use to gain access into the ports and return thereafter.
It was a happy Port Manager, Mr. Oladele Alabi who advised terminal operators and other companies that are operating in the port to apply for the electronic pass for their staff. He said individuals and cars going into the ports can be monitored for the next six months, using the new technology and further analysis used by the management.
He reiterated that the ports remain a restricted areas going by the directives and guidelines of the ISPS code and that the installation of the access control system is in fulfillment of the code.