Alhaji Bello Abubakar has been appointed the new port manager, Tin Can Island Port Complex (TICPC) of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA).
The new port manager recently took over from Umar Abubakar Garba who was redeployed to NPA headquarters, Marina Lagos.
Abubakar, who was the former manager, Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, assumed duty two weeks ago.
Already, he has commenced stakeholders engagement in resolving some burning issues militating against smooth port operations.
He had also worked in Western Zone of the NPA and Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), respectively.
The new port manager disclosed to newsmen Wednesday that a new task team had been constituted to x-ray and address issues bothering on traffic along the port access road, adding that management under his watch has continuously engaged Hi -Tech Construction Company to expedite action in fixing the common users area against the backdrop of free flowing movement of articulated vehicles.
According to him, the construction work along the corridors has affected the channel linking the port and the lagoon, which in turn led to poor drainage system within the access road.
Though, he lamented that the construction company has failed to carry management of the NPA along in profferrng lasting solution to the current gridlock yet averred that the issue was under control by officials of the port authority.
He also affirmed that “Management has been able to engage officials of the construction company for the free flow of the drainage channel despite the obstruction at some point.”
While reacting further on the state of the ports, Abubakar stressed that the Port Facility Security Officer and Traffic Manager must be commended for efforts and measures put in place to manage the gridlock along the port access road.
He also reiterated that traffic situation needed continuous management approach and officials of the port have contributed positively in tackling the gridlock.
The Port Manager who added that since assuming office at TCIPC, said:” We are engaging stakeholders in the maritime industry which include, ANLCA, terminal operators, Police, truck owners and others to find ways on how make the port conducive for all of us”.
“We are meeting with stakeholders and an holistic approach has been put in place to address the issues we are faced with.
“The Police has given us their assurances to assist and manage traffic ; to prosecute and sanction erring port users and truckers.
“In the last 14 days, we are in the stage of collating the problems associated with port operations here and in the next couple of days we will enter the next process and I can assure you that we will address all the challenges one after the other,” Abubakar affirmed.
He also lauded the Managing Director of NPA, Hadiza Bala Usman, for the enourmous reforms in port operations.
