Why We Suspended RORO Barge Operations At ENL – Official

Port concessionaire, ENL Consortium has expressed concerns on the suspension of Roll On Roll Off barge operations at its facilities following recent damages at the quay apron.

The terminal operator in chat against the backdrop of the alleged suspension of barge operations at the facility, explained that some of the RORO barges lacked adequate ramp equipment to aid the craft berth properly at the facility.

Barrister Boye Uzamot , counsel to ENL said management of the Nigeria Ports Authority( NPA), responded swiftly to fix the affected quay apron damaged by a RORO barge at the facility, while on the verge of discharging the laden vehicles onto the terminal for onward operations.

Uzamot reiterated that barge operations was still obtainable and effective at the terminal adding that the port concessionaire has no choice but to suspend that of RORO .

He maintained that the conventional barges were functional and the terminal accept such barges but can no longer entertain any craft that has trucks laden on it for safety precautionary reasons .

The legal explained that the damaged portion of the quay is near completion affirming that safety of cargoes and lives must be paramount despite issues confronting the suspension.

He also debunked insinuation of looming sack of workers saying that the concessionaire has vowed not to dismiss any workers under its employ pointing out that the COVID19 pandemic was not a yardstick to lay off workers.

“Our boss is a mother and she understood what it takes to be unemployed that is why she cannot sack anyone at this point in time.

“The company has not owed workers since inception and sacking is not an option at this time “,he stated.

ENL Consortium is the owner of terminals C and D of the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC) in Apapa Lagos.

Recall that stakeholders had expressed worries over suspension of RORO barge operations at the facility,lamenting over trapped export along the port corridors and waterways.

By Roland Ekama