ZAINAB JUNAID
Amidst growing concerns over existing dilapidated buildings within the Lagos Port environment, particularly the Apapa Port Divisional Headquarters, the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) has assured uplift, and promised an end to infrastructures disrepair.
Speaking with TransitNews Ng last Friday, an official from the Lagos Port Complex, on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the management is aware of the environmental condition under which Stakeholders operate, and has taken proactive steps to improve and rebuild the infrastructures.
The official who requested her identity must not be revealed, noted that contract has been awarded by the Federal Government for remodeling of all Port infrastructures nationwide.
She said, “Very soon, work will commence in the area. You can see the remodeling experienced at TinCan side, Our engineers have visited the Port Authority Western Command beside Nnewi building and other facilities. We’ve taken steps by presenting the matters to management, we’ve held stakeholders engagement and government has awarded contracts for repairs. The Commissioner of Police building, and the judiciary building are part of the structures scheduled for remodeling”.
A recent visit by TransitNews Ng to the Command revealed that Officers operate under open roofs and navigates flooded environment after heavy downpours. The environment is also littered with seized rotten vehicles and dumped refuse.
This situation not only poses serious health risks, but also hampers the effectiveness of the Officers and also the overall efficiency of Ports operations.
Meanwhile, in a chat with another source who confirmed that the Command is inaccessible after heavy downpour due to flooding, he noted that despite multiple notifications sent to the NPA management about the infrastructure condition of the place, their promises to upgrade have consistently fallen through.
According to the source, it’s imperative for the NPA to prioritize the well-being of Officers and other Stakeholders operating within Lagos Port environment and take concrete actions to rectify this situation.
“I’m aware they visited the environment on several occasions to check the infrastructures, the roofs especially, promising to do the needful but all these are empty promises. Very soon, they will come for another routine assessment and leave behind empty promises that holds no ground”.
In response to allegations of hollow promises regarding complaints from Stakeholders about dilapidated buildings and unhealthy surroundings, the authority clarified that pledges made are genuine but delayed due to time required for contract awards.
”We all know how things work, everything take processes but i can assure you that the contract has already been awarded for the upgrade of these areas and work will soon commence. There will be an uplift soon,” the authority said.
If NPA’s promises hold true, it would demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of Officers working in these challenging conditions and enhance the effectiveness of the Apapa Port Divisional Headquarters. This would also benefit Stakeholders operating within the environment.
