Lagos, Nov. 30, 2022 – Mr Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has promised to partner Nigerian security agencies in protecting lives and property at Nigerian ports.
A statement by the NPA in Lagos on Wednesday quoted Bello-Koko as saying this when he received the General Officer Commanding 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, in his office in Lagos.
Bello-Koko said that the authority would collaborate with stakeholders and the nation’s security apparatus, especially the military high command, to protect lives and property within port facilities across the nation.
Bello-Koko said that the authority, had over the years, enjoyed cordial working relationship with the Nigerian Army whenever there was the need to maintain law and order at the ports.
He commended the swift deployment of soldiers to the authority’s corporate headquarters during the EndSARS crisis.
“I thank the army chief for the visit and assure him that the authority is ready to continue to strengthen the partnership in order to make the port and the nation safe at all times,” he said.
Bello-Koko decried illegal activities going on at the Takwa Bay corridor which belonged to the NPA.
He said that he was surprised that the land was being used to carry out illicit activities such as drug distribution and harbouring of hoodlums.
Ajunwa said that the military authority was at the NPA as part of military tradition of familiarising with its neighbours such as the NPA.
He promised that his personnel would carry out their core responsibility of protecting lives and property having assumed office in the last three months.
“I assumed duties three months ago. I felt that as part of our training, we should visit installations in my environment and one of them happens to be the NPA.
“My men are ready to carry out our responsibilities of protecting lives and property at all times,” he said.
Ajunwa said that the command was discussing security matters with various government agencies so as to be proactive in curbing unforeseen circumstances. (GBN)
