By Ifeyinwa Obi

Worried by the traffic gridlock on Apapa-Oshodi expressway, a firm, the Royal Salt Nigeria Limited, has empowered the joint traffic control task force of the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Police at Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, KLT, with a patrol van to enable them monitor and check the situation.

Speaking shortly after the presentation of the patrol van to the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police Command (Western), Hilda Ibifuro-Harrison, in company of the CAC, KLT Command, General Manager of the company, Mr. Joslin Couthinh, said the van was donated to the task force to reduce traffic gridlock along the access road, as well as boost policing in and around Kirikiri area.

Reacting to the development, Customs Area Controller, KLT command, Comptroller Frances Enwereuzor, lauded the company for the gesture and called on other companies to emulate same.

He said: “This is an historic day because when I came to KLT, there was no task force in place and as a result of the traffic situation on the bridge, we had to set up the task force.

“I know the importance of synergy between inter agencies and it is yielding results as we speak. My message to other companies at KLT is to be part of the progress, they should know that something good has happened today.”

The Commissioner of Police in charge of Western Ports, Mrs. Hilda Harrison, lauded the KLT controller of customs for her effort to set up the task force, saying such innovations would help move the maritime sector to an enviable height.

She added that the vehicle donated to the task force will go a long way in addressing some of the anomalies within the port environment.

On his part, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of KLT, Mr. Akpole Evoh, assured that as head of the task force, stakeholders had confirmed their efficiency of its operations.

“The Royal Salt Nigeria Limited stands out as the most active company in supporting the task force within the community and as I speak, no other company has surpassed their gesture in this regard,” Evoh stated.