African Circle acquires 16 new trucks for waste management at ports

Determined to fulfill its mandate as contained in the agreement signed with the Federal Government, the management of African Circle Pollution Management Limited (ACPML) has acquired 16 new modern trucks.

The trucks which were built with the latest technology, were manufactured by Mercedes Benz, and are expected to enhance the operations of the company in the nation’s seaports of Lagos, Calabar, Port Harcourt, Warri and Onne.

The procurement of the trucks was in line with the requirements of Maritime Pollution (MARPOL) 73/78, a key guideline of the global maritime watchdog, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

With the provisions of MARPOL 73/78, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is mandated by IMO to provide adequate waste reception facilities for handling waste generated in vessels calling in Nigerian ports.

Unveiling the trucks in Tin-Can Island Port Complex, Apapa, Lagos, Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of NPA, commended the management of African Circle for the strides achieved since it signed the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with the Federal Government.

Usman, who was represented by Nasir Anas Mohammed, general manager, Security, stated that the new trucks would go a long way in enhancing its operations in the months ahead.

He said the move would help Nigeria to meet the requirements of the IMO as regards the evacuation of waste generated in Nigeria territorial waters.

Ahmadu Fidi Ahmadu, acting co-coordinating officer, ACPML, said the firm procured the trucks to meet the increase in the demands for its services over the years.

He disclosed that while eight of the trucks would be used in the ports situated in Lagos, the other eight would be used in Onne Port Complex, Onne, Rivers State.

According to him, Mercedes Benz is known for efficiency, performance and safety. We usually have service level agreements (SLAs) with an authorised distributor/dealer for training, service and support for our personnel.

Latifat Ibrahim, district manager, ACPML, stated that the firm has the support of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and the NPA in the discharge of its mandate.

She reiterated the readiness of ACPML to live up to expectations of stakeholders in its areas of operation.