(Written by Silas Onuoha):
Stakeholders in the maritime industry have applauded Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), on consistent advocacy in calling the attention of government and traffic managers to the devastating effect of lingering traffic logjam on Apapa ports access roads.
Stakeholders also commended MAJAN on the just concluded National Maritime Summit, organised by the group on April 14, 2021, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Occasion, Dr Eugene Nweke, former National President of NAGAFF, described MAJAN members as proactive and resilient in supporting the efforts of government to tackle perennial traffic gridlock killing businesses within Apapa area of Lagos.
The theme of the Summit was; ‘Apapa Perennial Traffic Gridlock’: Has it Defied All Solutions?”
At the end of Programme, the following recommendations were made: “The Federal Government was urged to re-evaluate and re-jig the port reform taking into account the role of Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the Economic Regulator.
“Terminal Operators (concessionaires) were advised to improve on their cargo handling equipment and delivery systems to enhance quick turnaround of vessels and trucks picking cargo. Stakeholders also recommended diversification of transportation modes, such that ports can be connected by rail system. Government was advised to revamp refineries and pipelines for effective distribution of wet cargo, mostly petroleum products.
“Stakeholders stressed that the time has come for government to reclaim lands around the ports for expansion of port infrastructure, including roads, dedicated lanes for trucks and tankers.
“They applauded Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), on introduction of Electronic Call-up System to address the chaotic traffic situation at Apapa axis, while calling for improvement for the purpose of monitoring and enforcement with installation of CCTV in control rooms, where traffic controllers are stationed for control, as against being on the road for control.
“At the same time, truck owners were implored to provide roadworthy trucks and provide standards to checkmate excesses and bad habits of their drivers, to stop indiscriminate parking.”
