Apapa port traffic gridlock intractable – NPA laments.

Abiola Seun        |

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) may have been overwhelmed by the malignant traffic gridlock at the Lagos ports when its Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman lamented that the problem has become intractable.

Hadiza, who expressed her frustration at the unending traffic menace, disclosed that the problem has defiled all efforts aimed at finding solution to it, including the contribution of N1.8billion by the agency towards the rehabilitation of the road and the call up system.

The NPA MD however said that the agency will remained resolute and undaunted in its quest to conquer the monster.

She expressed this determination during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding(MoU)

with APM Capital to extend the use of Barges to evacuate Containers from the Ports beyond Ikorodu to Epe, as part of the measure to tackle the problem.

In a press statement by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Adams Jato and a copy made available to journalists , Hadiza Bala-Usman said the problem of Apapa Access Road seems intractable because of decade long decadence which was caused by multiplicity of problems.

Usman recalled the fact that NPA had made several efforts including contributing N1.8billion to rehabilitate the road at a time as well also coming up with call up system, which would soon be upgraded to be electronically.

The MD while speaking when she hosted a team from AP Moller Capital in her office asserted that NPA would continue to consult with stakeholders across all levels, since the provision of infrastructure is crucial for sustainable ports operations.

Usman further assured that NPA will build on the synergy that exist with stakeholders and also commended Ministers of Transportation, the Board of Directors of NPA, and the management of APM Capital.

In his response, the Senior Investment Advisor of APM Capital, Fleming Dalgaard assured on the construction of a Jetty and Truck Park to facilitate the movement of Cargo with barges from the port,  adding that they will provide technical Capital, Competence experience, financial capacity and other required resources.

Dalgaard commended openness of the management of NPA adding that such transparency and efficiency were part of the quality that excite them to come forward for the signing of the MOU.

Amongst issues agreed in the MOU include; The NPA in realization of the fact that the provision of infrastructure is crucial for sustainable operation of ports has continued to pursue a programme of infrastructural investments.

Others are, the NPA and APMC entered discussions and have agreed to find a lasting solution to the traffic situation in and around the ports, there is a need to provide the level of required infrastructure.
APMC has indicated their interest, technical capacity, competence, experience, financial capacity and other required resources to execute or cause the project required resources to execute or cause the project required for the attainment of item 2 above.

The project that are currently being contemplated include the construction of a jetty and truck park to facilitate the movement of cargo by barge from the ports.
APMC understands that some associates investments like construction of truck holding bays maybe required to support the option in item 4 above.

APMC intends to commit financial and human resources to further explore these solutions even though the exact nature of infrastructure to be provided may differ from the option currently being envisage in the course of further studies and time spent on the project