Respite as NPA moves to tackle extortion of truckers by security operatives

Worried by the economic burden of extortion on port users, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Western Ports has constituted a standing committee to check the alleged cases of extortion on truck drivers by security operatives at the port entrance.

The committee, which is under the chairmanship of Michael Ajayi, general manager of NPA Western Ports, is aimed at addressing the challenges and fears of truckers caused by extortion along the access roads leading to Lagos ports.

Speaking in statement signed by Iheanacho Ebubeogu, general manager, Public Affairs, Ajayi stated that the formation of the committee became necessary following the repeated complaints by truck drivers.

According to him, the committee, which would verify all available allegations, is determined to refer any erring security agency, involved in such illegal act to the appropriate law enforcement agency for necessary action.

Recall that truck drivers operating in Lagos port have raised an alarm that security agencies in charge of controlling traffic on port access road, collects money from truckers before allowing them into the port. The truckers, who attributed the extortion to the cause of incessant gridlock within the port, also said that it makes loading of containers difficult in the port.

Members of the committee are drawn from NPA, truckers union, fleet operators, and security agencies.

In another development, the authority commissioned the refurbished break lounge /Kitchenette for the security personnel at the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) to improve the welfare of its workforce by providing an enabling environment towards ensuring optimal productivity.

Ajayi, who enjoined NPA workers to offer their best in the discharge of their duties, also urged the security personnel, who are the direct beneficiaries of the Lounge, to realise the sensitive of their position in achieving the vision of providing efficient port service in a safe, secured and customer friendly environment.

Earlier in her welcome address, Ezeoke Eunice Ngozi, the port manager of LPC said the lounge was achieved as a result of long time planning and painstaking effort of the relevant departments.

She noted that the facility will ensure that the security personnel operate in comfortable environment as the port is open to business for 24 hours.