By Uzor Odigbo
Port concessionaire, ENL Consortium, has expressed concern over the suspension of Roll On Roll Off barge operations at its facilities following recent damages at the quay apron.
The terminal operator, while reacting on the alleged suspension, explained that some of the RORO barges lacked adequate ramp equipment to aid the craft berth properly at the facility.
Mr. Boye Uzamot, counsel to ENL, said that management of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), responded swiftly to fix the affected quay apron damaged by a RORO barge at the facility, while on the verge of discharging the laden vehicles onto the terminal for onward operations.
Uzamot reiterated that barge operation was still obtainable and effective at the terminal adding that the port concessionaire has no choice but to suspend that of RORO.
He maintained that the conventional barges were functional and the terminal accepted such barges but could no longer entertain any craft that has trucks laden on it for safety precautionary reasons.
The legal practitioner explained that the damaged portion of the quay was near completion, affirming that safety of cargoes and lives must be paramount despite issues confronting the suspension.
He also debunked insinuation of looming sack of workers, saying that the concessionaire has vowed not to dismiss any worker under its employ, pointing out that the COVID-19 pandemic was not a yardstick to lay off workers.
“Our boss is a mother and she understood what it takes to be unemployed that is why she cannot sack anyone at this point in time.
“The company has not owed workers since inception and sacking is not an option at this time”, he stated.
ENL Consortium is the owner of terminals C and D of the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC) in Apapa Lagos.
Recall that stakeholders had expressed worries over suspension of RORO barge operations at the facility, lamenting trapped export along the port corridors and waterways.