MTS Raises Concerns Over Terminal Operators’ Restriction To Engage Foreign Seafarers

Mission To Seafarers (MTS) in Lagos has raised concerns over the restrictions mechanism of some terminal operators for them to access ships in order to engage and interact with foreign sailors on their wellbeing.

MTS officials lamented that some of the port concessionaires have made their operations difficult to interact with the seafarers onboard vessels calling at the nation’s seaports in Lagos urging management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to intervene in furtherance to providing easy access to the quayside for onward boarding.

The Mission To Seafarers (MTS) is an international, non governmental and non profit making charity organisation with headquarters in London and spread across the continent. It’s a missionary arm of Anglican Communion Worldwide with existence in 50 countries of the world and operates in over 200 ports across the globe with  the Queen of England is a patron.

Speaking exclusively on  Wednesday, Chaplain MTS, Lagos , Venerable Canon Bimbo Aduroja, stated that aside the port pass issued by management of the NPA, some of the terminal operators have been adamant to assist the mission in  discharge of its duty in the area of entry.

Aduroja, while lamenting on the challenges faced in its mission,  explained that some of the concessionaires failed to understand the role of MTS thus denied them access to the ships at berth adding that most of the seafarers at these terminals need some attention and feedbacks.

He also disclosed that despite the bus donation by SIFAX group last year, Ports and Cargo Handling Services terminal has failed to understand the importance of MTS.

Specifically, he mentioned Five Star Logistics Terminal and  PTML are some of concessionaires making the job tedious for them.

“As I speak to you right how, we are yet to gain access to all the terminals in Lagos. We have the intention to cover as many vessels as possible at every visit but apart from having the port  pass for Apapa and Tin Can Island Port, you also need the access pass from each of the terminals.

“Because each of them have their own access pass and that is a challenge to us. As much as we are determined to visit these terminals and crew on board the ships, some of the terminals are yet to assist us in this regard.

According to him, the MTS has commenced twice a week visit to the two major seaports in Lagos adding that plans are ongoing to increase the visitation to four only if the terminal operators will cooperation and assist.

Commending some of the concessionaires for the cooperation, the Chaplain also lauded ENL Consortium Limited and Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL) for the support and easy access to engage and interact with foreign seamen aboard ships.

He noted that the role of MTS cannot be overemphasized because the mission plays  significant roles  in the lives of  foreign sailor.

He further canvassed for more logistics noting that more vehicles are needed to carry out the all important assignment in promoting seafarers wellbeing.

Adurajo further maintained that more awareness needs to be created to enable stakeholders understand the role of Mission To Seafarers, even as he called on captains of industry, government agencies and well wishers to support the charity organisation for it to meet international standards.

The clergyman further disclosed that MTS is working round the clock on how to upgrade the facility in Lagos,  pointing out that the facilities need some level of facelift which in turn could accommodate seafarers conveniently.

He also expressed high hopes that come 2023, foreign seafarers would be comfortable whenever they come to the centre for relaxation, saying the expectations are high for a large number of sailors to visit the facilities after the facelift.

The Chaplain also disclosed that the Covid 19 has not allowed seafarers access the centre sequel to the restrictions and protocol.