Cargo truckers and other major stakeholders at Onne Port have appealed to the Nigerian Ports Authority (N.P.A) to open the completed portion of ‘Road D’ at Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), Onne Port in Rivers State for use. 

Speaking on behalf of truck drivers and other transport stakeholders in Onne, Rivers State, Comrade Adolphus Ugwu Kelechi, Haulage District Chairman, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria,(MWUN), Eastern Ports told journalists that N.P.A has done well in the construction and completion of a section of Road D, at FOT, Onne Port.

Comr. Ugwu added that truckers would see the opening of the road as a welcome development. He expressed excitement that N.P.A and O.M.T are working in synergy to open the Road D, which he said will address road challenges facing truckers at FOT, Onne Port.

He said “For this reason, Truckers commend N.P.A for a job well done. As drivers, we are also commending Onne Multi Purpose Terminal (OMT), for their efforts.”

He urged Haulage Union members to make good use of the road, and warn against turning the road into a parking lot when it is opened. He  also urged drivers not to defecate on the road, or make the area unhygienic as he further pleaded with NPA and OMT to strive to improve on the lighting/ illumination of Road D, to improve on the security of their members and  also improve on port security.

“We learnt that ‘trucks tripping’ on the earthed road, had been a regular situation, prompting O.M.T Management to beg N.P.A MD to consider approval for the use of the already completed section of Road D, @ FOT, Onne Port.”

Meanwhile, a close source at OMT Terminal, in a response to  enquiries confirm that the Managing Director of OMT, Mr Nicolo Scannavini, had in a move to address the road challenges of his company operations, and that of truckers and other terminal operators at FOT Onne, written a letter to the Managing Director of N.P.A, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho.

Part of the letter reads “The construction of Road D has been a long – awaited project, and we are delighted to see it nearing completion. As a major stakeholder in the Port, we are eager to utilize the completed portion of the road to facilitate the movement of personnel, equipment, and cargo within the Port. We believe that this will not only improve our operational efficiency but also contribute to the overall safety and security of the Port”

“In the light of the above, we respectfully request permission to use the completed portion of Road D. This will enable N.P.A to ease traffic congestion, prevent accidents, and reduce the risk of trucks tripping over on the earthed road. We are confident that granting users permission to use the completed portion of the road will have a positive impact on the overall operations of the Port and enhance the safety of all stakeholders”. He said.