To a large extent, sanity has been restored to the Tin-Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC) and its environs.
The restoration of sanity to the TCIPC and its environs is without doubt courtesy of the management of the complex in collaboration with government security agencies as well as various associations operating at the complex.
The management of the complex, through its security department, has left no stone unturned in ensuring that the environment that was before now a safe haven for miscreants become a dreaded zone for their ilk.
Despite the argument that the TCIPC is notorious for the activities of miscreants, hawkers, diesel sellers and others due to the fact that the complex has so many entrances and that it is too close to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway thus making it a place where business boom for these persons, the current management of the complex has been able to prove beyond all reasonable doubts that the activities of these persons can be curtailed.
Through a Joint Enforcement Committee, comprising the security personnel of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),TCIPC, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Ports Authority Police Command (PAPC) and personnel of other security agencies who carry out regular raids at the complex and environs, the once evasive normalcy at the TCIPC has been restored.
In the course of the regular raids, the committee has been able to arrest a number of persons, who have promptly been charged to court for various offences.
It is noteworthy that while some have been remanded in prison custodies, others are slammed with various fines to serve as deterrent to others upon conviction.
A major feat, which the management of the TCIPC has equally achieved in recent time, is the ban of commercial motorcycle operations popularly called Okada within the complex, which was hitherto a nightmare to sane stakeholders at the complex.
The management of the TCIPC had very real cause to ban the commercial motorcyclists because their operations resulted in a number of accidents leading to several casualties.
In place of the Okada, the management introduced the operations of commercial trcyclists or Keke Napepto ply the complex, which no doubt has brought a lot of succour to stakeholders.
Even as we commend all these laudable achievements by the management of the TCIPC, the roles of the various freight forwarding associations, particularly those of the Association of the Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tin Can Island Port Chapter, under the leadership of Mr. Kayode Collins Farinto cannot be swept under the carpet.
The fiery freight forwarder, Farinto, who emerged as the Chairman of ANLCA Tin Can Chapter barely two years ago has indeed contributed to the level of sanity currently being experienced at the complex.
Known for his constructive criticisms, long before he mounted the saddle of leadership at the ANLCA Tin Can Island Port Chapter, as helmsman, Farinto has been able to prevail on the management of the complex to ensure that the environs of the TCIPC is safe for business for all operators.
Farinto who is always acknowledged for his forthrightness when issues are tabled for discussion, no matter who is involved, has continuously drummed it in the ears of those who care to listen that the complex must be sanitised if business is to thrive.
This character of Farinto is indeed worthy of emulation by those who are already in or aspiring to leadership positions, whether in ANLCA or any other association.
The complex as it is already can become a better place if all other leaders of the various associations partner the management of the complex like Farinto.
As the stage is now set for ANLCA to elect new leaders for its various chapters in the Western Zone, with the exception of the Apapa Chapter, it is expedient for members of the association to look for leaders like Farinto, who are willing to sacrifice valuable resources to make their various business environments conducive for all.
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