Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Customs Area Comptroller of Tin Can Port, Dera Nnadi, has shed light on the factors contributing to the sluggish pace of night operations at the port, citing security and lighting challenges as primary concerns.
In a recent address at the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) International Press Center, Nnadi emphasized that while night operations were implemented to boost efficiency, persistent logistical hurdles have hampered their effectiveness.
Nnadi highlighted the longstanding issue of inadequate security infrastructure, exacerbated by the port access road’s notorious inaccessibility over a decade.
“Security remains a critical issue, especially given the vulnerability of stakeholders commuting through poorly maintained corridors,” he explained.
The comptroller recalled efforts to mitigate these challenges, including proposals to utilize waterways for goods transportation and collaboration with authorities to enhance police presence.
“Despite these measures, congestion and security threats continue to impede seamless operations,” Nnadi lamented.
He pointed out recent progress in road clearance and extended operational hours as positive steps, yet stressed the crucial need for enhanced lighting and security measures to sustain night operations effectively.
“To make night operations viable, we need to light up the port and its corridors and ensure robust security measures. These steps are essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of our operations,” he stated.
Nnadi concluded by reaffirming the port’s commitment to addressing these issues comprehensively, underscoring the necessity for continued collaboration with stakeholders and government agencies to optimize operational conditions.