The outgoing Port Manager of Lagos Port Complex (LPC), Mrs Olufunmilayo Olotu, has charged the Federal Government to place a premium on fixing the port access roads to ensure the free flow of traffic in and around the port corridors.
This is even as she tasked the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the completion of the rail projects started by the previous administration, which she says will enhance the evacuation of cargo via the railway and others like through the roads and water.
She gave these charges during her valedictory service and a change of guards at the Lagos Port Complex on Thursday in Lagos.
“The largest room in the world is the room for improvement, so if I say we’ve done enough that would not be right, we can always improve on what we’ve done, the e-callup system is in place and it will help significantly in ensuring that there is a free flow of traffic in and out of the port.
What about free traffic in and out of the port access roads, they are not in a state that we require. We need to put a premium on fixing the port access road and I believe in the new government in place, they are going to place a premium on fixing the port access roads, the port is as efficient and effective as the port corridor not just about activities in the port but also about activities around the port, so I believe we need to do more.
“And even on the rail projects started by the previous administration, they started a very good project and I feel it shouldn’t be abandoned, it should be sustained so that if we have cargo evacuation via rail via road and via water and that is when we can say yes, we have done well,” she said.
Earlier in her valedictory speech, Olotu said upon assumption of office four years ago, the challenges on the ground were quite enormous but was able to overcome all with a strong commitment to place a premium on professionalism.
Speaking further, she said the challenges were also surmounted by promoting personal values of integrity, hard work, firmness, fairness, friendliness, transparency, accountability, and equity.
On her achievements as Port Manager of LPC, she said she was able to improve trade facilitation in a safe, secure, and customer-friendly environment, zero tolerance for corruption, debt recovery, increased revenue generation, and collection, and recognition of the stellar performance of workers irrespective of cadre among others.
However, she commended the contribution of the heads of departments and the entire workforce of LPC, members of trade unions, terminal operators, the shipping community, government agencies, clearing agents, trucker associations, security operatives, and other stakeholders in and around the Apapa maritime domain.
She charged all stakeholders to extend the same high level of collaboration and even more to her successor Mr. Charles Bamidele Okaga.
She encouraged her successor to stay focused on the mandate of the Federal Government as directed by Executive Management and be true to his conscience in discharging his duties.
Responding, Okaga charged stakeholders in the maritime industry to accord him the same cooperation and collaboration that was extended to his predecessor.
“I want to believe that with what I have seen here today, I will enjoy the same support and collaboration as Mrs Olotu,” he said.
The event was also filled with goodwill messages from associates, colleagues, and the business communities in and around the port complex who has been touched by Mrs Olotu’s professionalism.
In his goodwill message, the Managing Director of Trucks Transit Parks (TTP), Jama Onwubuariri who was represented by Irabor Akonoman, he commended Mrs Olotu for throwing her weight behind the electronic call-up system and its operations.
“She serves as an advisor, and consultant to our company, keeping us on our toes to ensure that the Eto system works, and the results are everywhere. We at TTP wishes Mrs Olotu success in her new endeavours,” he said.
In her goodwill message, the Managing Director of Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL), Amy Jadesimi hailed Mrs Olotu for her consistency over the years.
“I have known Mrs Olotu for over twenty years and one thing that she has been known for is her consistency, this is the reason why she has risen through the ranks. She is an inspiration to women in the maritime industry” she enthused.
On his part, Mr. Mark Walsh, the Managing Director, ENL Consortium, concessionaires of Terminals C and D at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, he hailed Mrs Olotu for her knowledge and impact in the industry.
“Your knowledge of the industry is unparalleled, wherever you go, you will always make an impact” he said.
Similarly, Country Managing Director, APM Terminals Nigeria, Mr. Frederik Klinke described Mrs Olotu as one who will always be a friend to APM Terminals Nigeria.
The National President, Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO) Chief Remi Ogungbemi said Mrs Olotu will always be known for her no-nonsense disposition, high honour, and integrity which has distinguished her.
