MWH to demolish NPA’s Billion-Naira perimeter fence for Apapa road expansion

Tayo Oladipupo

In its efforts to expand the Apapa Oshodi Expressway, the Ministry of Works and Housing has issued a 72-hour notice to the Nigerian Ports Authority for demolition of the Tincan Island Port perimeter fence built in 2018.

Recall that the project gulped billions of naira in 2018.

The perimeter fence was constructed in line with the International Ships and Ports facility Security (ISPS) Code.

Two years later, the ministry has reiterated its determination to encroach on the NPA’s access road to further expand the on-going construction before the close of work.

It was gathered that the notice of demolition was issued last Friday by the ministry for expansion of the ongoing rehabilitation along the port corridors of Apapa-Oshodi Expressway inward the seaport arteries

As the ultimatum elapsed on Monday, our correspondent who monitored the enforcement of the ultimatum discovered that the men from the ministry were not on ground to carry out the demolition.

It was gathered that the process was aimed at expanding the corridor, even as our correspondent was told by inside sources that some structures like Hannover Terminals and National (CONOIL) filling Station might also be affected in the process.

When contacted for response, Port Facility Security Officer in charge of Tin Can Island Port, Mr. Akindele Olajide confirmed to our correspondent that a letter was issued to Port Manager of the NPA, Tin Can Port on the demolition of the see-through fence and others along the access road.

Olajide, while corroborating the demolition exercise story, said that management of the NPA was aware of the exercise adding that, the demolition was supposed to commence on Monday after the 72-hour notice issued by the ministry of works.

He explained that the common user road which has been under construction for a while may take at least forty days before completion which according to him, was the information obtained from the ministry.