In anticipation of the upcoming nationwide protest, Commissioner of Police for the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Olanrewaju Olawale Ishola, has taken proactive measures by engaging key maritime stakeholders and security agencies to ensure the safety and security of port operations, thereby preventing disruptions and maintaining public order.
CP Ishola hosted a critical maritime stakeholders’ meeting at the Command Headquarters, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and community engagement for lasting peace and coexistence. The meeting saw the presence of prominent figures, including the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Prince Adeyanju Adewale, along with representatives from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), the National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), the Association of Maritime Truck Owners (AMATO), the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANCLA), and senior officials from the Nigerian Ports Authority.
During the meeting, CP Ishola reiterated the directive from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) that all potential protest organizers within the jurisdiction of the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command must notify the police in writing. This notification should include their names, phone numbers, addresses, areas of convergence, and the routes the procession will follow. This measure is aimed at ensuring proper planning, adequate deployment, efficient traffic control, and the easy identification of infiltrators who might attempt to hijack the protest to unleash terror on innocent citizens.
The stakeholders’ meeting was deemed a success as attendees pledged to share intelligence and maintain a cordial relationship with the Western Ports Police Command. This collaboration is expected to ensure that business activities at the ports are not disrupted, thereby preventing significant revenue loss to the federal government.
Following the meeting, CP Ishola participated in a joint press briefing with the Customs Area Controller and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Apapa Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service. During the briefing, the business community was assured of a secure business environment at all port complexes. It was emphasized that regular activities at the ports will continue uninterrupted on the scheduled protest date of August 1, 2024.
ASP Isaac Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, expressed confidence in the measures taken and reassured the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining order and safety during the protests.
As preparations for the nationwide protest continue, the proactive engagement of maritime stakeholders and security agencies by CP Ishola underscores the importance of collaboration in safeguarding Nigeria’s critical infrastructure and ensuring the smooth operation of its ports.