Tin-Can Island port begins perimeter fencing for effective security

Determined to ensure the security of cargoes at the port in line with the global standards, the management of the Tin-Can Island Port (TCIP), has commenced work on the perimeter fencing of the facility in compliance with the International Ships and Ports Security Facility (ISPS) Code.

Emmanuel Akporherhe, TCIP port manager, who disclosed this in Lagos recently, said the project was aimed at controlling both human and vehicular movement in and out of the port.

Akporherhe, who stated that the terminals were in compliance with the Code, said that the fencing will further ensure that only those who have business, will be given access into the port.

According to him, there would be gates at the three entrances to TCIP for strict implementation.

“The major challenge to the project is the traffic because it’s only when the traffic situation eases off that we can look at areas that should be fenced. This is why all hands must be on deck to sort out the traffic issue along the port access roads,” he said.

He however, blamed the persistent gridlock for poor implementation of truck call-up system. “Though, the system is functional at a minimal level, but full implementation will start once the palliative works on the Apapa – Mile2 axes of the road, is completed.

“On our side, we did some palliatives at the Tin-Can Second Gate and we are continuing the palliative on the bad spots of the roads. We are also in touch with the Commodore in charge of Beecroft, who has given order to sort out the congestion,” Akporherhe stated.

“Stakeholders including the tank farm owners and the concessionaires are working on improving the road situation. Soon, Dangote will be working on the Tin-Can route. It is when the road is manageable that we can effectively use the call-up system to decongestion the roads,” he added.

ISPS Code, which was adopted by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) after the September 11 terrorism attack on the United States of America, was introduced to forestall recurrence of such incident through the maritime domain.

Uzoamaka Anagor-Ewuzie