Tin Can Island Port Shows Decades of Neglect—-Saraki

Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Senator Gbemi Saraki has decried the poor state of infrastructure at the Tin Can Island Port of Lagos, saying that the port is showing decades of neglect.

The minister visited the Port on Monday as part of her working tour of Lagos ports and facilities

The Minister reaffirmed the position of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), for the total reconstruction of Quay walls of the TinCan Island Port Complex which have become weak due to age.

She said: “We cannot build on a weak foundation, it is vital that we get these two very important ports modernized and ready to berth modern vessels. The state of the Ports shows decades of neglect but it’s better late than never.”

“It is a bit sad that Tin Can Terminal has taken it upon themselves to find a solution. Palliative won’t work anymore. We need to find a long term solution to this problem. This is just one terminal. We’ve seen another terminal with the same challenge. We need to take an holistic approach to solving this.

“Tin Can is one of the major ports that we have. As I’ve said earlier and I’ll keep repeating that the port is one of one main engine rooms of our economy. So dilapidated ports is not going to engender economic growth. We need to ensure that we take a holistic approach as soon as possible. And I assure you that we will,” she added.

She also said the government has resolved to demolished Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) building sitting and causing obstruction on the rail lines at the Apapa seaport.

The Customs building has been causing delay and impediment for the construction of rail lines, which meant for cargo evacuation at the port.

“As you can see, the construction of this standard gauge has been ongoing for more than two years and I came here to inspect the activities. We want to ensure that before the end of next month, the activities here have improved.
“By the end of this month, we want to ensure that the removal of this Customs facility which is on the rail track is resolved. The goal is to have this track operational by the end of this month.

“Although this building looks big, it is actually a minor issue that will be resolved by the time the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) seat together to discuss it,” she explained.

According to her, It has been agreed that the building is going to be demolished but the fact is that it is a radioactive facility, adding It is a scanner and there is need to ensure that the demolition is done safely.