Security, Lighting Hinders Night Operations At Tin Can Island Port – Comptroller Nnadi
By Asuquo Nuwak
The Customs Area Comptroller of Tin Can Island Port of Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, has announced the major reasons which hinders night operations at Tin Can Island Port since its inception.
Comptroller Dera Nnadi, who was speaking during his working visit to Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN International Press Center, recently addressed concerns about the efficiency and frequency of night time activities.
In his response to questions over night operations, after the presentation of the Command’s half year report, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, disclosed that, the initiative is not an attempt to increase productivity but a necessary response to several challenges.
Comptroller Nnadi, who noted that night operations slow down due to security and logistical challenges, also said the move to begin night operations at the port was driven by necessity, in addition to many factors which affected the operations.
He recalled that last year election significantly impacted the operations of the Command. He expressed strong feeling that, this year, the Command needs a different approach to tackle the ongoing issues, particularly security concerns.
Aside from longstanding problem of port access roads which had hindered efficient movement for nearly two decades, he said for over a decade, the port access road has been impassable, making movement across the port corridors extremely very difficult.
Apart from this, he said, stakeholders became vulnerable to attacks and constant threats, as people drive in and drive out on daily bases for their normal businesses.
He recalled that during his tenure as senior Customs officer, he made proposal to revive movement of goods through waterways, in order to alleviate road congestion. Though the initiative recorded success, but the ports still remain congested.
According to him, on assumption in office as the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, observed persistence congestion issues, undermining service delivery and operational efficiency.
He said, together with his colleague Mr. Steve Egede, Tin Can Port Manager, engaged in multiple meetings with the management and received crucial support from the Nigerian Police.
He said efforts to create public awareness about the dire state of the port access road were initiated. In addition, he said, he personally made calls and encouraged media coverage to highlight the need to decongest this road. He expressed great pleasure towards the crucial roles played by the media in raising greater public awareness about the issue.
He is quoted as saying that: “These collaborative efforts eventually led to significant breakthrough, as the road was finally cleared. We celebrated this achievement with our stakeholders, who were assured of safer commute”.
In order to key into this development, he said, port extended its operational hours and began scanning containers overnight, a move that was well-received by stakeholders. He noted that, with this development, they decided to expand these operations to include physical examinations and other services.
Comptroller Nnadi, however, underscored the importance of infrastructure and security in sustaining night operations.
In his words: “To make night operations viable, we need to light up the port, its corridors and ensure robust security measures. These steps are essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of our operations”.
In conclusion, comptroller Dera Nnadi, further provided clarity on the slow pace of night operations, emphasizing them as strategic response to long-standing challenges, rather than temporary measure.
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