Esther Oritse
Lagos — The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has stepped up moves to sanction stakeholders violating the Port Standard Operating Procedures (PSO) along the Lekki Port corridor, as part of efforts to improve port efficiency, safety and seamless cargo movement.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting at Lekki Port, the Port Manager, Mr Emmanuel Anda, warned that stakeholders found contravening established rules and regulations governing port operations would face sanctions.
Anda said strict compliance with the PSO was critical to maintaining order along the port access corridor, facilitating the smooth movement of cargo and trucks, and preventing activities capable of undermining efficient port operations.
He stressed that all stakeholders operating within the Lekki Port ecosystem must adhere to approved procedures, noting that violations would no longer be treated lightly.
He reiterated the importance of an orderly and efficient port corridor to the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector, particularly as Lekki Port continues to play a growing role in international trade and cargo handling.
He said:”We cannot allow one person, two people or any group of people to tarnish the image of this entire setup. This is an image-making platform for the country, and nobody is going to sit back and allow any individual or group to damage the reputation of the technology, the Nigerian Ports Authority or Lagos ports. That will not be allowed.”
The Port Manager said the authority would strengthen communication and coordination among the various stakeholders operating along the corridor to ensure seamless port operations.
He also urged the promoters of the Electronic Call up system to integrate with its technology with other stakeholders for ease of seamless operation.
Speaking in a similar vein, Mike Idike, an official of Call-up Technologies, said the system was ready and willing to electronically integrate all relevant stakeholders to facilitate seamless cargo evacuation and improve efficiency along the port corridor.
Idike explained that there is already a system integration with the truck parks, and it was designed in two stages.
“The first stage requires a truck operator to make a booking through the Vehicle Booking System (VBS). The second stage is that the VBS cannot be printed until the truck has checked into an approved truck park.” He added.
