Amaechi, NPA boss, others inspect Tin Can Port over issues of congestion
In a move to tackle the perennial challenge of congestion at the port, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, Friday, inspected the Tin Can Island together with the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Hadiza Usman and Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, Barr. Hassan Bello. Amaechi accompanied by officials of the ministry and agencies harped on the need to find a quick solution to curtail the heavy trucks that have made vehicular and human movements difficult in the area for years.
The Minister promised to meet with relevant agencies on January 19 next year for their input, adding that an end to congestion is a task that must be done.
The NPA boss, Hadiza Usman said that by January 2021, an electronic clearing system for cargoes would be introduced that would resolve the gridlock that has become synonymous with the port operation.
Usman revealed that the agency is working with the Lagos State government to create truck parks at designated areas.
She stated further that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led government was planning to give a designated truck park at Orile where trucks will park until their cargoes are cleared electronically before they proceed into the port.
She said “We are planning to deploy an e-call-up system in January 2021. We will provide an electronic call-up system within the ports and designated truck parks. No more trucks parking randomly on the road.
“The electronic call-up system will be across all platforms on phones. You can monitor when the consignment arrives and when you have been assigned to pick up your cargo. The e-call up will also remove human intervention and eliminate corrupt practices.”
The NPA boss highlighted that the only thing that would be needed for clearing is the barcode that would be scanned at the entrance of the port to enable them to enter the port.
On his part, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, Barr. Hassan Bello said the council had on a daily basis proffers sundry recommendations on how to address congestion at the port, stressing that in no distant time the challenge will become a thing of the past.
