By Usani Omini
Imoke in a request with reference number, GO/S/21/Vol.11/16 dated August 5, 2014, to the Honourable Minister of Transport and various heads of security agencies in Nigeria noted that the lack of closed circuit television (CCTV), improved illumination and the proximity of tank farms to the facility as well as the absence of quality fire-fighting equipment has greatly hampered the collaborative efforts of various security agencies including, the Nigeria Police, Nigerian Custom Service, Department of State Service amongst others to safeguard lives and property in the area.
He called on the minister to intervene by directing the Nigerian Port Authority to, in liaison with the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), provide baggage/cargo scanners and CCTV cameras around the operational area. NIWA should also collaborate with the Nigeria Police to provide sniffer dogs to aid in th detection and apprehending of criminals.
The governor also solicited for the enforcement of strict access control, provision of adequate fire-fighting equipment and the introduction and enforcement of the use of identification tags for workers and visitors to the jetty by NIWA. Casual staff should also be provided with uniforms to enhance monitoring and access control.
Again, the provision of street lights from the UNICEM Administrative Office to the jetty and improvement of the existing lighting system to enhance proper illumination of the jetty at night was also of strong concern to Senator Liyel Imoke.
In the face of security challenges bedevilling the nation, such a request by the Governor and immediate intervention by the relevant authorities will be lauded by Cross Riverians in general as this will help curb criminal activities in the state.