Dera Nnadi, the Customs Area Comptroller of Tin Can Port, has shed light on the slow pace of night operations at Tin Can Port, attributing it to significant security and logistical challenges. Speaking at the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) International Press Center on Friday, Nnadi addressed concerns over the efficiency and frequency of nighttime activities at the port.
Nnadi explained that the decision to initiate night operations was driven by necessity but has faced multiple obstacles. “Last year’s election significantly impacted our operations,” he noted. “This year, we needed a different approach to tackle ongoing issues, particularly security concerns.”
A critical issue has been the inaccessibility of the port access road, which has hindered efficient movement for nearly two decades. “For 19 years, the port access road has been almost impassable, making movements across the corridors of the port extremely difficult. Stakeholders became vulnerable to attacks during their commute,” Nnadi stated.
Reflecting on his tenure as a senior customs officer, Nnadi mentioned a past proposal to use waterways to alleviate road congestion. Despite some success, congestion issues at the port persisted. Upon his return as Area Comptroller, Nnadi, alongside Tin Can port manager Steve Egede, engaged in multiple meetings with management and received crucial support from the Nigerian Police to address these issues.
Efforts to create public awareness about the dire state of the port access road were initiated, with the media playing a crucial role. “I personally made calls and encouraged media coverage to highlight the need to decongest this road. The media played a crucial role in raising awareness about the issue,” Nnadi said.
These collaborative efforts eventually led to the clearing of the road, allowing for a safer commute for stakeholders. To capitalize on this development, the port extended its operational hours, starting with overnight container scanning and expanding to include physical examinations and other services.
However, Nnadi emphasized the importance of infrastructure and security in sustaining night operations. “To make night operations viable, we need to light up the port and its corridors and ensure robust security measures. These steps are essential to maintaining the efficiency and safety of our operations,” he explained.
Nnadi concluded by stressing that the slow pace of night operations is a strategic response to long-standing challenges rather than a temporary measure.