…Synergizes with NIMASA
The Manager of Rivers Port, Mr. A. G. Umar has pledged to support the Ports Authority Police Command in the discharge of its duties within the Port environs and also maintain a good working relationship with the Command.
Umar made this known during the recent visit of the Commissioner of Police, Eastern Ports to his office.
According to him, the Port Management was doing its best in addressing some of the challenges faced by them and pleaded with the Force not to leave everything for the Ports Management especially in the area of working tools.
Earlier in his address the Commissioner of Police, Alex Opara stated that security of the Port was very vital and should not be compromised.
He explained that his delay in paying the visit to the Port Manager was because he wanted to acquaint himself with the environment and people as expected of one who was new in a place.
He expressed his appreciation to the Port Manager for the immense assistance and cooperation to the Port Police despite all odds.
Responding, the Port Manager urged the Police to ensure adequate coverage of the water front which according to him covered a wide range.
While appreciating Police efforts so far in the port industry, he solicited for collaboration between the port security and Port Police command in ensuring that the trailer/trucks drivers who park on both side of the road leading to the Port were checked as they posed danger and risk to other Port users.
In a related development, the Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, Mr. A. G. Umar in his usual way of ensuring and maintaining the existing cordial relationship between the organization and other government agencies, paid a courtesy visit to the Port Service Comptroller of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Umar Dachia.
He observed that since he took over, he had never received any complain of delay on ship clearance from shipping agents, which according to him showed that NIMASA recognized the issue of trade relationship and its statutory responsibility.
The Port Manager pointed out some of the challenges faced by the Port to include the issue of piracy attack which according to him, was the immediate responsibility of NIMASA in term of ensuring safety and security on the water ways.
Umar highlighted the importance of security patrol on the water way as it gave ship owners the confidence of doing business in the Port without having the fear of being attacked.
“The attack on ship is a serious issue that affects the patronage of the Port” he added.
Another issue raised was the change of status of shipping company by NIMASA which he advised that changes should be related to him because as the head of the Port, it was necessary to be on the know sighting an instance where a vessel that had been cleared was later detained without information.
Reiterating the fact that as sister agencies representing their organizations’ value, they would not play with safety and any other thing that had to do with risk.
“We are always around for cordial relationship”, he stated.
Responding at this point, the Port Service Comptroller of NIMASA, Mr. Dachia appreciated the visit by the Port Manager and his team and described it as a sign of respect for the agency.
He explained that the agency had been trying in terms of security adding that some years back, a platform was established with Global West Vessel Specialists, Memorandum of Understanding was entered with the Navy and both responded whenever called upon but noted that the contract with Global West Vessel Specialists have been terminated.
“Be that as it maybe, the agency has safety units that are always in contact with those at the vessel. It is clear we are all striving towards the same goal and the guidance and assistance of the Port is highly needed”. He said
Furthermore, he promised to put his men on the right track of ensuring that whenever there was change in documentation as it covers ship clearance and operations, the Port Manager should be given first-hand information.
While promising that in their next management meeting, he would bring up all the challenges and issues brought up by the Port Manager, he appreciated the Port Manager’s effort towards ensuring that the cordial relationship enjoyed by both organizations was not jeopardized.
Amongst those present during the visit were Udoka Ogbonna- Head Labour NIMASA; Eniregbo Ibeawuchi A. – DMSO NIMASA; Taye Emokhare –Secretary NIMASA; E. M. Asinobi (Mrs.) – Chief Port Public Affairs Officer; Arogundade R- Port Security Officer and Makanjuola Teslin- Rep Traffic Manager.
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