By Roland Ekama
Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (,NPA) Tin Can Island Port (TCIP) over the weekend reawakened staff consciousness on the importance of Fire Evacuation Drill in furtherance towards providing preventive measures to mitigate any form hazards at work environment .
Speaking at the gathering , the Port Manager, Tin Can Port Complex, NPA, Mr Sylvester Othuke Egede stated that the essence of the drill was to put everyone on a state of alert.
According to him, it was wrong for people to stroll leisurely to the converging area during fire emergency, pointing out that workers are expected to converge at the Muster Point as quick and fast as possible, where headcount will be conducted to ensure the safety of all.
Egede, who spoke on his determination to leave a legacy of outstanding feats as TCIP Manager, reiterated his commitment to work very hard towards the achievement of the set objectives.
He said that now that the access road linking the Mile 2-Oshodi Expressway has been cleared, it meant the port would be more busy as there would be more work to be done.
While enjoining the staff to also work hard and report promptly to their desks and close for work at the appropriate time, he assured that dedicated and hardworking staff will be adequately rewarded.
This, he said, would serve as an incentive for others to work harder to also be rewarded
“All staff are expected to be at their desks by 8.30 in the morning and should remain there till 5.00 pm,” adding that all hands must be on deck as there is much work to be done.
Egede who also spoke on the resolve of his management to strengthen the security of lives and property of staff and other stakeholders within any around the port complex, said that security would be more tightened to ensure that only people with genuine business are allowed entry into the port.
He, therefore solicited the support of staff and all stakeholders for the achievement of the set objectives
The fire drill which commenced at the administrative building of the port complex in Lagos, by 10.30 am was to test the port’s state of preparedness in case of a real fire outbreak.
Some fire officers from NPA Fire Service Department were seen checking offices, including stores and Restrooms to ensure that nobody was left behind.
Near the Muster Point, some fire-fighting equipment and an ambulance vehicle were strategically positioned to underscore the importance attached to the exercise by management
Staff and officials of the Authority were seen rushing out of the building to converge at the Muster Point when the fire alarms were triggered off.
