Port manager, Rivers port, Mr. Lawrence Alabi has given the port management a pat on the back saying that going by the challenges that he met on assumption of office in Port Harcourt port, a lot of improvements have been recorded.
Alabi told reporters in his office at the Port Harcourt port recently that despite these challenges, the port management has excelled even as he identified three areas of positive development, namely: customer relationship, workers’ welfare and relationship with terminal operators.
According to him, the port management meets with terminal operators and other stakeholders regularly; an approach that has engendered a good port management-customer relationship.
The port manager disclosed that the relationship between management and the workforce could not have been more cordial, adding that long and short term measures have been put in place to maintain the relationship and ensure a good welfare package for staff. He confirmed that salaries are paid regularly.
He also commended the terminal operators saying “they are doing well and showing interest in improving on what they met on ground”. On infrastructural development within the ports, he said there has been rehabilitation of access roads within the ports.
Mr. Alabi however expressed concern that challenges still exist in the relationship between dockworkers and terminal operators. “The spirit of concession is yet to be fully imbibed by the dockworkers, but management is working to re-orientate them. One of the ways this is being done is through regular meetings with them”, he explained
According to him, the take over of dockworkers by private operators has not been smooth, but that is the duty of the Nigerian maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
He expressed optimism that next year would usher – in a new vista of hope for the port.
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