THE Minister of Transport, Idris Umar, has described the appointment of stevedore companies to manage dockworkers activities offshore/onshore and at the jetties as statutory.
Umar explained recently that the appointment could not be subjected to what he described as whim and caprices of operators.
Speaking at an interactive forum organised for jetty operators, on/offshore oil companies and Stevedore companies, Umar emphasised the supervisory role of government and its agencies in achieving the desired result in private jetties operations.
The minister, according to a statement issued by NPA’s General Manager (Public Affairs), Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, explained that private jetties operations would be streamlined for the purpose of collecting benefits of stakeholders and the nation, adding that the ministry in concert with agencies like Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration & Safety Agency (NIMASA) are empowered with statutory responsibility of granting approval for the operations of jetties, onshore/offshore oil companies and stevedore services.
Explaining further, the statement said: “In the recent past, reports of security breaches at private jetties have been received and in view of the current security challenges in the country, the issue cannot be ignored.”
The minister added: “Let me state that jetties operators are expected to restrict their activities to the approving licences granted them. They are also required to work in concert with relevant security agencies to ensure compliance with the laws guiding their operations. Anything outside these is bound to attract suspicion and appropriate sanctions.
Earlier in his opening address, the Permanent Secretary Minister of Transport, Nebolisa Emordi emphasised the need for NIMASA to strengthen the criteria for the registration of stevedore companies and insisted that such criteria and standard are to be followed by all stakeholders, adding that government cannot operate in a vacuum.
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