SSASCGOC Maritime Demands Urgent Dredging Of Warri Channel To Enhance Vessel Berthing

By Roland Ekama

The Senior Staff Association of Corporations and Government- Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), Maritime branch has called on the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to swiftly resolve the dredging issues of Warri Channel as a short-term remedy to forestall further incidences of vessels running aground.

The association made the demand at the just concluded Joint Consultative Conference (JCC) meeting held at Royal Nibo Hotel in Warri, Delta State.

In a statement made available to our correspondent by the President of the Senior Staff union, Comrade Bodunde Akinola on Thursday, the union also called for the reconstruction of the breakwater as well as the prompt installation of navigational buoys which it says is crucial in enhancing accessibility into Warri Port in order to increase the number and sizes of vessels calling at the Port.

While appreciating the management of the apex maritime agency under the leadership of Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, for his support towards the Conference, the President urged the management to prioritize the issue of welfare of members for better performance. He demanded a review of the 50/50 sharing of the agency’s revenues with the federal government, stating that this will incapacitate the agency from carrying out its statutory roles and obligations.

The union further demanded that the approvals granted to individuals or companies to operate as terminal operators be in line with extant rules in order to create a level playing field for all, as well as plug revenue leakages. This he said should be treated with the urgency it deserves.

He, however, enjoined the Port Managers to imbibe the inclusiveness of their workforce in the affairs of the Port while prioritizing staff welfare in its day to day activities.