Apapa seafarers pool comes alive as terminal operators renovate the centre

By ZION Olalekan

Terminal operator, Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) has carried out a renovation of some dilapidated sections of the seafarers centre in Apapa Lagos known as Mission to Seafarers.

The centre according to its chaplain, Rev Canon Bimbo Aduroja is supposed to play host to visiting seafarers on vessels calling at Nigerian ports, but the centre has not worked for the last two years due to dilapidated nature.

Aduroja told our correspondent that ABTL recently took it upon itself to renovate the bar, toilets and offices located within the centre.

He also said that another terminal operator, Greenview Development Nigeria Limited (GDNL) has indicated interest of reconstructing the swimming pool at the centre into a world class standard. He equally explained that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has sent down a representative to inspect the facility and see how the agency can assist in the efforts to revive the dying seafarers centre.

He said that the centre has made several appeals to shipping companies, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on the need to urgently repair the centre. He however expressed dismay that none of the operators responded positively.

According to him, the seafarers centre is an image of Nigeria to the international community. He described it as a place of abode for visiting seafarers on vessels calling at Nigerian ports.

Specifically, he said “Seafarers come into the country through the ports, this place as done in other countries is supposed to be their first point of call immediately they enter the country, here they have recreation centre, bureau de change, swimming pool and so on. It is supposed to be a home away from home for seafarers”

“We have tried to reach out to different organizations in the maritime industry including shipping companies, NPA, NIMASA, and terminal operators”

“Presently we have started getting positive response from people, Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited is the first company to respond to our plea, their delegates came around to see, and they decided that the bar, toilets and offices would be taken up by them for renovation and they have fulfilled this”

“The next thing is the swimming pool area, we want to raise it to an international standard, on this, the GDNL have also signified their intention to take it up”

While lamenting the absence of NIMASA in the ongoing effort to revive the centre, he said “I have not gotten any response from NIMASA up till now; the NPA has signified their intention by sending their delegate to come and have a look so that they can see how they can help out. We wrote to all these organizations and we told them that we don’t need their physical cash, let them send their contractor, what we want is to get the job done”

“Presently we have dilapidated quarter cabins, we want to demolish everything and erect a normal structure where we can have proper rooms, the rooms are meant for seafarers, especially the international ones that are stranded”

“Seafarers have not been visiting the centre because what will attract them over has not been put in place, it is now we are doing the renovation, when all have been completed, would have the boldness to go to the port, visit the ship and tell them to come to the centre” he said