Police assures port users of safety as truckers commence cargo evacuation

The divisional police officer (DPO) of the Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Apapa, Akeem Smith yesterday assured port users including importers and agents of their safety and security while transacting legitimate business at Apapa port.

Smith said the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) has been placed on high alert to check any breach of law and order as the nation’s major seaport re-opened for business activities yesterday after nine days of blockade by some clearing agents.

“Law abiding Nigerians have been going in and out of the port since yesterday when the order on the removal of the blockage was made. The police have been on high alert to ensure peace and security at the port. Trucks have been moving in and no one has been harassed because the Police are in control of the situation to ensure adequate security of lives and property,” he stated.

Smith said those who wish to protest have the right to protest do so “but it must be done under the ambit of the law”.

Meanwhile, several truck operators were this afternoon seen moving in and out of the LPC especially APM Terminals Apapa dropping off and picking up containers.

It would be recalled that management of Lagos Port Complex (LPC) of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Tuesday said it has cleared the blockade mounted by clearing agents and re-opened the nation’s major seaport for business during the strike action that lasted for nine days.

“The port is now open and people are free to come in and transact their business,” LPC Port Manager, Nasir Anas Mohammed said.

He said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and other security operatives had been put on alert to provide adequate security to anyone willing to transact business at the port. “We have informed the agents that while they have the right to protest, they do not have the right to blockade the port or disturb others who have legitimate transactions to carry out at the port.

“So we have informed them and they have also seen reason with us. We assure all port users that their security is guaranteed. The Police and relevant security operatives have been duly informed and they have assured that adequate security will be provided to all port users. Trucks are free to come into the port, load and exit without entertaining any fear,” the Port Manager said.

AMAKA ANAGOR