NPA Urges Marine Police, Navy To End Attacks On Vessels

The Acting Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, has urged the Marine Police and the Nigerian Navy to end incessant cases of attacks on vessels around the waterfronts and channels.
Koko also charged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on the need to clear all encumbrances and bottlenecks that impede the free flow of traffic on all port corridors with a view to ensuring efficient and effective handling of cargo in and out of the nation’s seaports.
This is contained in a statement by NPA spokesman, Olaseni Alakija.
Koko spoke during a meeting between the Assistant Inspector General in Charge of Maritime, Amadi John Ogbonnaya; Commander of the NNS Beecroft, Commodore Bashiru Mohammed, and officials of Lagos State Government.
He said there was an urgent need for the Marine Police and other security agencies to assist the authority in addressing the rising cases of attacks on vessels, barge operators and other port facilities especially around the waterfronts and channels.
He also sought the support of the marine police in addressing cases of extortions, illegal mounting of roadblocks by uniform personnel from the security agencies, associations and unions along the seaport corridors comprising Tin Can-Coconut, Mile 2, Orile, SIFAX Terminal on Ijora-Olopa, Police Area B, Wharf and Creek Roads, amongst others.
He added that efforts were being intensified to dismantle all illegal checkpoints with a call to truck drivers to resist extortion.
“I wish to use this opportunity to thank the Lagos State Government, the FRSC and the Port Authority Police Command (PAPC) of the Lagos State Police Command for their support and collaboration with the NPA on the enforcement of the electronics call-up system called ‘Eto’ and the clearance operations.
“The authority would like the AIG to use his good office to assist in the following areas of interest or concern.
“Strengthening the existing collaboration between the Lagos State Police Command and the PAPC; and assist in the challenge of persistent complaints by stakeholders of extortion and erecting illegal roadblocks by uniformed security operatives from government security agencies, unions and associations on port corridors.
“Other issues requiring the AIG’s urgent attention include assisting in follow-ups with the Force Headquarters, Abuja for additional police personnel/gunnery to enable the authority commission its newly acquired patrol boats.
“To assist in the follow-up for the establishment of Marine Police units in Calabar and Delta Ports respectively,” Koko said.

By: Chinedu Wosu