The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has cautioned four terminal operators at the Apapa Port Complex for violating environmental standards within the facility.
The Port Manager, Mr Debo Lawal, disclosed this in an interview with journalists in Lagos on Tuesday. He described managing the port as both challenging and rewarding, requiring daily attention to operational, environmental, and security concerns.
According to him, effective port administration demands preparedness and proactive solutions to address the wide-ranging issues that arise.
As part of its efforts to enforce environmental sustainability, Lawal revealed that four terminals had recently been issued warning letters for breaching lease agreements by contributing to pollution within the port.
Citing an instance, he explained how a nearby factory was directed to adjust its funnel in order to minimise harmful emissions affecting an adjoining terminal. He added that environmental complaints are verified through physical inspections, stressing NPA’s insistence on clean terminals and strict adherence to environmental regulations.
While sanctions are in place for non-compliance, Lawal noted that the authority prioritises engagement first, providing specific directives and timelines before punitive measures are applied. These directives, he said, often include readjusting funnels and installing combustion controls, in line with international best practices.
The Port Manager stated that the NPA works closely with its security department and the port police to ensure constant patrols within the port premises and along waterways. He also disclosed that management had recently equipped the marine police with additional patrol boats to strengthen security ahead of the busy September-December operational season.
