- Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Mohammed Bello Koko
By Anthony Nwachukwu
In its resolve to eradicate traffic gridlock around all port locations in Lagos State and ease the frustration and delay being experienced by firms and persons doing business at the ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has deployed 24 brand new motorbikes for traffic management.
Unveiling the bikes, the NPA Managing Director, Mohammed Bello Koko, represented by the Executive Director, Marine & Operations, Onari Brown, said they would be used to strengthen traffic monitoring and enforcement along the Lagos Ports Complex and Tin Can Island Port access roads.
Koko assured that the NPA, as landlord and technical regulator of the ports, will continue to deploy innovative measures to eliminate all encumbrances to free movement of trade along the port access roads, with the electronic truck booking system already in place to schedule truck movement along the corridor.
He commended the Lagos State Government’s support at restoring sanity in Apapa and environs, just as the introduction of the electronic call-up system for trucks has improved cargo evacuation from the terminals and reduced travel time to and from the ports.
Earlier, NPA General Manager Security, Mohammed Khalil, stated that the motorbikes would complement the gains of the e-call-up system as solution to the perennial gridlock into and out of the Apapa port city, according to a statement from the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Nasiru.
He explained that arrangements have been made for the standard operating procedures (SOP) for riders, alongside the necessary logistics and technical support to ensure successful traffic monitoring and enforcement.
Also, the Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex, Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, commended the NPA’s efforts at ending the gridlock, which has been negatively impacting the western port operations.
She expressed hopes that the deployment of the motorbikes would improve traffic monitoring from Ijora through Sifax Inland Container Terminal up to Mr. Biggs, and linking Apapa to Tin Can Island Port corridor, as well as enhance safety and security at the nation’s two busiest seaports.
On his part, the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on Central Business Districts (CBDs) and Vice Chairman on Apapa Traffic, Sola Giwa, assured of the state government’s continued collaboration with the NPA for improved travel time within the Apapa corridor.
According to him, “this is our first collaboration with the NPA and it has been successful. I can assure you that the Lagos State Government will do more to support your initiatives. However, from whom much is given, much is expected.”
