The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Dera Nnadi mni, has explained the reasons behind the slow pace of night operations at the port.
Nnadi, speaking during his recent visit to Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), outlined lighting and security concerns amid these nighttime activities.
While responding to a question by News Diet correspondent on night operations, Nnadi explained that the initiative is not just an attempt to increase productivity but a necessary response to global norm of 24/7 port operations.
Nnadi, however, stressed that night operations has slowed down due to security and logistical challenges.
“For over a decade, the port access road has been almost impassable, making movements across the corridors of the port extremely difficult. Stakeholders became vulnerable to attacks as people driving to and from work faced constant threats.”
“To make night operations viable, we need to light up the port and its corridors and ensure robust security measures are in place. These steps are essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of our operations.”
The comptroller further called for a holistic response to combating issues responsible for the slow pace of night operations, emphasizing a strategic response to long-standing challenges rather than a temporary measure.
Reflecting on a past proposal during his tenure as a senior customs officer, Nnadi said; “Several years ago, I proposed reviving the movement of goods through the waterways to alleviate road congestion. While we saw some success, the port remained congested.”
Upon returning as the Area Comptroller, TCIP, Nnadi said he observed that congestion issues persisted, undermining service delivery and operational efficiency.
“With my colleague, Mr. Steve Egede, Tin Can port manager, we engaged in multiple meetings with our management and received crucial support from the Nigerian Police,” the TCIP Customs boss posited.
Noting the significance of public awareness about the dire state of the port access road, he revealed that he personally made calls and encouraged influential media coverage to highlight the need to decongest this road and the media played a crucial role in raising awareness about the issue.
“These collaborative efforts eventually led to a significant breakthrough. The road was finally cleared. We celebrated this achievement with our stakeholders, who were now assured of a safer port access road.”
“To capitalize on this development, the port extended its operational hours. We began by scanning containers overnight, a move that was well-received by stakeholders. We then expanded these operations to include physical examinations and other services.”
Nnadi, however, underscored the importance of infrastructure and security in sustaining night operations.
