Women in Logistics and Transport (WILAT) on Wednesday last week commended terminal operators at the Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC) for their massive investment and for bringing about a high level of efficiency at the port.
Global Convener and President of the association, Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim gave the commendation when she led a delegation of the association on courtesy call to the Port Manager of Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC), Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Longe and tour of various terminals at the port.
WILAT is the women’s wing of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).
At Terminal C operated by Port & Cargo Handling Services Limited, Ali-Ibrahim said the concessionaire has exhibited a high level of professionalism, innovation and commitment in the running of the facility, thereby leading to an improvement in service.
“Our association comprises women professionals in all the sub-sectors of the country’s transport industry; maritime, logistics, aviation, training institutions, among others. Our vision is to be a leading advocate for women participation in logistics and transport through the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport while our mission is to source, groom and sustain the interest of competent women professionals in the industry.
“We are delighted that Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, a major stakeholder in the maritime industry, has shown a high level of professionalism in the running of the terminal. That’s why we are here to learn more about your operations and further explore areas of mutual cooperation,” she said.
She further solicited the company’s corporate support for the association’s activities especially the forthcoming WILAT Day scheduled for June 25, 2015.
While receiving the WILAT members on behalf of the company’s Managing Director – Mr. John Jenkins, the Special Duty Manager, Mr. Saka Arisekola, said Port & Cargo has achieved remarkable landmarks in the management of the terminal since it came on board in 2006. These, according to him, include the acquisition of world class equipment, provision of relevant infrastructure, improved and efficient services, reduction in vessel turn-around time, among others.
“Despite the obvious challenges that we grapple with as a terminal operator, Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited is forging ahead. Compared to what was obtainable before we came on board, appreciable improvements have been recorded in the terminal, both in terms of quality of service and physical infrastructure,” he said.
Arisekola further listed some of the challenges being faced to include epileptic power supply and bad access roads. He urged the Federal Government to address these challenges in order for the terminal operators to deliver even better quality services.
The WILAT team was received at Terminal B, operated by Tin Can Island Container Terminal (TCIT) by the company’s Documentation Manager, Mr. Greg Sikpi on behalf of the Managing Director, Mr. Etienne Rocher.
Sikpi informed his guests that the terminal has a shore length of 770 meters and a backyard of 240,000 square meters and has three berths with operation capacity of 360,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).
He said Tin Can Island Container Terminal has invested over N70 billion in modernizing and upgrading the terminal since it assumed its operation in 2006.
“The invested money helped the terminal to boost its cargo throughput and reduce turnaround time of ships,” he said.
He said the terminal is fully automated with well motivated staff operating with a high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.
The WILAT leader also commended TICT for its landmark achievements at the port and solicited its cooperation towards future collaboration.
The WILAT team had earlier paid a courtesy call to the Port Manager of Tin Can Island Port Complex (TCIPC), Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Longe.
“The Port Manager has always been there for us. In fact our Treasurer is a Head of Department here and the Port Manager has always attended to us anytime she comes. His support has been so overwhelming to us.
“That is why this place is a first for our visit. Here in our group, we have women in all the areas of transport and logistics. The uniqueness is that we are an umbrella for everyone in logistics and transport,” Ali-Ibrahim said in her introductory remarks.
Longe on his part commended WILAT for championing the cause of women in the logistics and transport industry.
“WISTA is for the empowerment of women and we are proud of you and for your contribution of building a vibrant and committed woman that will improve the industry.
“We are here to appreciate you and acquaint other members with the port environment,” he said.
The TCIP Manager used the opportunity of the visit to inform his guests that the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) was doing everything within its powers to enhance cargo clearance at the port.
He said henceforth, any government agency that has not been provided with office space by NPA would not be allowed to operate inside the port.
He said, “We have not provided space for anyone that was not supposed to be at the port. Those who are not supposed to be at the port find themselves there and some of them even use their vehicles as their office.
“What is supposed to be done is that anytime these agencies are needed at the port to join in examination, they will be called to take part in it.”
Copyright Ships & Ports Ltd. Permission to use quotations from this article is granted subject to appropriate credit given to www.shipsandports.com.ng as the source.