By Emmanuel Udodinma
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN has expressed concerns over the dilapidated and collapsing quay apron of the Tin Can Island Port of Lagos, as well as the need for the rehabilitation of other ports around the country.
Consequently, the foremost maritime reporters association has concluded plans to host maritime stakeholders to a breakfast meeting to discuss workable solutions to the deplorable state of the port.
President of MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere in a press statement on Friday said the event would also be used to inaugurate the newly elected officials of the association into office.
Bivbere noted that the association is worried that the collapsed quay apron of the port is already leading to vessels avoiding the Tin Can Port and this would lead to loss of revenue for the federal government.
The breakfast meeting is billed to hold on July 6th, 2023 at the Rockview Hotel in Apapa GRA, Lagos. Theme of the event is: “Rehabilitation of Tin Can Island Port: Proffering Workable Solutions.”
Various stakeholders that are expected to converge at this meeting include; The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Mrs. Magdalene Ajani, The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA; Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Hon. Emmanuel Jime, Controllers of various commands of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Shipping Companies and Terminal Operators.
Others are; the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, Barge Operators Association of Nigeria, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, NCMDLCA, maritime truck owners associations among others.
According to the statement signed by MARAN President, Godfrey Bivbere, it says “The association is troubled that ships are now avoiding the Tin Can Island Port due to its collapsing quay apron and this is detrimental to the economy of Nigeria since the government relies on the revenue generated from the ports on a daily basis.
“As part of our agenda-setting function, MARAN is organizing a Breakfast Meeting to discuss workable solutions to the deplorable state of the Tin Can Port, as well as the need for rehabilitation of other ports around the country.”
