By Anthony Nwachukwu
In a bid to improve traffic flow and restore sanity at the entrances of seaport terminals across the city, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is partnering the Lagos State Government and relevant security agencies on full-scale clean-up operations at the Lagos Ports.
Tagged, “360 Degrees Cargo Clearance,” the exercise is billed to cover all entry approaches to the Tin Can Island Port Complex, Lagos Port Complex, Kirikiri Lighter Terminals I&II and the port corridors at Tin Can, Coconut, Sunrise, Mile 2, Orile, Ijora Sifax, Ijora Olopa, Lilypond, Area B, Wharf Road, Creek Road, Old Dockyard Road, Seaplane and Apapa Wharf Gate.
The exercise will clear the affected areas of shanties, kiosks, abandoned vehicles, equipment and containers obstructing the free flow of traffic and those constituting environmental nuisance or serving as hideouts for criminals, while all those illegally trading or residing in the listed places are advised to vacate the areas.
Meanwhile, in line with its agreement with the state government to end the incessant breakdown of trucks on the port access corridors and facilitate smooth transit of cargo-carrying trucks, the NPA said it has begun the implementation of Minimum Safety Standards (MSS) scheme for trucks operating at the ports.
A statement by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic communications, Olaseni Alakija, disclosed that the agency, ahead of the commencement of the exercise anchored on the electronic call-up platform (Eto), it has consulted with stakeholders, including the leadership of the various haulage groups
To that end, only trucks confirmed by the NPA to have met the MSS requirements and duly issued with an MSS certificate will now be active on the eto platform being managed by the Truck Transit Parks Limited (TTP) while those not confirmed or certified would be denied access to initiate bookings.
It advised owners of trucks yet to meet the requirements to approach the NPA Safety Department at any of the port locations in Lagos for guidance, as details of all certified trucks would be uploaded on eto to enable continue operations at the port.
According to the NPA, the scheme requires all trucks doing business at the ports to undergo a safety audit and be certified fit-for-purpose, mindful of such vehicle parts and accessories truck head, driver and vehicle particulars, trailer carriage unit, tyres, brake system, lifting jack, vehicle lights, driving mirror and speed limiter, among others.
