NPA goes tough on wandering trucks to end traffic gridlock - to open two truck parks for use.

The Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) has come hard on the wandering trucks around Apapa port corridor in a bid to end the malignant traffic gridlock at the port access roads.

At the interactive session it had with critical stakeholders of the industry, the agency said it was concerned with the endless menace and it has resolved to tackle the problem head on.

While unfolding the measures to end the gridlock, the Managing Director of the NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, disclosed that a task force has been constituted to coordinate the measures and enforce compliance.

According to the Managing Director who was represented by Dr.Sokonte Davies, the Executive Director, Marine and Operations of the NPA, the measures include mandating the Task Force to ensure that all trucks are not allowed to park on the bridges forthwith.

Also, shipping Lines and Terminal Operators must synergize their operations to ensure the success of the call up system.

The Security agencies are to remove all category of trucks milling round the Port Environment and Traffic and Law enforcement agents to ensure that the Tincan Island – Mile 2 corridor axis is open for optimal Traffic and Port Management.

In addition, the various sectional Heads from the NPA involved in the exercise resolved that enforcement would be total whilst calling on the support and understanding from all involved.

Also,

It stressed that while the Trailer parks were a transit point, it would ensure that broken down trucks are towed away on a penalty. It urged all concerned that a platform would be made available for complaints to be lodged by Stakeholders.

To complement these measures, the NPA said it would soon commission two transit parks located at Lillypond and Tin can Island Second Gate which it strongly believes would enhance effective Port Operations and improved service delivery across board.

The agency said it would give priority to Truckers with empties and exports.

The Director General ,Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] Dr. Dakuku Peterside represented by Mrs. Anna James Akpan, Assistant Director, Shipping Development eulogized the initiative of the NPA in putting an end to the menace.

The Port according to her was a critical component of the Maritime sector.

‘’The ease of access into the Port and the provision and maintenance of the facilities to create a free flow of activities cannot be overemphasized as it will enhance the flow and increase of revenue to both the Authority and Government.’’

The stakeholders urged the NPA to ensure that they are made relevant in Committees just as they further pledged their loyalty to the agency in ensuring that The Call Up System is effectively implemented for the growth and development of the Maritime sector