How Security, Lighting Issues Slow Down Night Operations At Tin Can Port – Customs

By Ruth Sunday

The Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Port of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Comptroller Dera Nnadi, has explained the reasons behind the slow pace of night operations at the Tin Can Port since its inception.

Nnadi, speaking during his visit to Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) International Press Center recently ,addressed concerns about the efficiency and frequency of these night time activities.

While responding to a question regarding the night operations, after presentation of his Command’s half year report, Nnadi explained that the initiative is not just an attempt to increase productivity but a necessary response to several challenges.

Nnadi noted that night operation was slowed down due to security and logistical challenges. He explained that the move to begin night operations at the port was driven by necessity but said many factors affected the operations.

“Last year was an election year, which significantly impacted our operations. This year, we needed a different approach to tackle ongoing issues, particularly security concerns.”

He detailed the longstanding problem of the port access road’s inaccessibility, which had 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. People driving to and from work faced constant threats.”

Reflecting on a past proposal during his tenure as a senior customs officer, Nnadi mentioned, “I proposed reviving the movement of goods through the waterways to alleviate road congestion. While we saw some success, the port remained congested.”

Upon returning as the Area Comptroller, Nnadi said he observed that congestion issues persisted, undermining service delivery and operational efficiency. “With my colleague, Mr. Steve Egede, Tin Can port manager, we engaged in multiple meetings with our management and received crucial support from the Nigerian Police.”

He said efforts to create public awareness about the dire state of the port access road were initiated. “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.”

These collaborative efforts eventually led to a significant breakthrough. “The road was finally cleared. We celebrated this achievement with our stakeholders, who were now assured of a safer commute.”

To capitalize on this development, the port extended its operational hours. “We began by scanning containers overnight, a move that was well-received by stakeholders. We then expanded these operations to include physical examinations and other services.”

Nnadi, however, underscored 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.”

The comptroller further provided clarity on the slow pace of night operations, emphasizing them as a strategic response to long-standing challenges rather than a temporary measure.