The Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Usman, said the traffic gridlock in Apapa had affected access into the ports and killing trade facilitation programme of government.
According to a statement by NPA on Monday in Lagos, Usman said this at a stakeholders meeting held in her office.
She said that the bad access roads into Apapa was killing the trade facilitation programme of the government and had affected the smooth delivery of cargoes to importers.
“NPA is not happy that all modalities and measures adopted so far have not translated into quick cargo movement in and out of the ports.
She told the stakeholders that a positive action would be taken by the NPA in the interest of all and the economy.
Usman told the stakeholders that “the quick rehabilitation of the road remains a priority to her team to reposition the ports and salvage the economy’’.
The managing director appealed to Messrs Dangote Construction Nig. Ltd and the Management of Flour Mills Nig Ltd. to expedite action toward an early reconstruction of Wharf Road.
Usman also appealed to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and members of the National Assembly to include the reconstruction of Creek Road linking Tin-Can Island Port in the 2017 budget.
She said the minister and the lawmakers should help to see to the quick completion of the trailer park opposite the Tin-Can Port to keep the trucks away from the road.
Usman also called for synergy between the Federal and State Governments as well as the stakeholders to find a permanent solution to the perennial gridlock on the road.
She urged port users to always subject themselves to security checks at the gates leading to the ports and warned that unauthorised persons intruding into the ports should stop or face sanctions.
The managing director said that NPA would soon introduce measures that would make it impossible for those without genuine business to access the ports.
Usman said NPA would continue to hold meetings with stakeholders to workout modalities on measures to be adopted to resolve the gridlock in the interest of all stakeholders and the nation’s economy.
She said the Federal Government was determined to find a lasting solution to the chaotic traffic situation along Apapa axis. Usman said that efforts were being made by the Federal Government and the NPA to improve and sustain efficient road transport network within and around the ports.