Terminal Operators Condemn Burning of NPA Building, Call for Protection of Seaports
The torching of the headoffice of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Marina, Lagos, during the EndSARS protest in Lagos has been condemned by the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN).
The Chairperson of SOAN, Princess Vicky Haastrup, in a statement to newsmen sympathised with the Board, management and staff of the authority over the sad incident.
Haastrup also tasked the government to ensure that hoodlums are not allowed access into the seaports.
Part of her statement reads, “Setting a national asset like the NPA headquarters building, which belongs to all Nigerians, on fire is an ignoble action. We urge the government to bring the perpetrators of this evil act to justice.
“These are trying times for the country and it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to protect, not destroy, critical national infrastructure.”
“It is rather unfortunate that hoodlums hijacked the otherwise peaceful #ENDSARS protest that received global commendation for its campaign against police brutality in the country.
“Those who destroyed the NPA building, public assets and private businesses, cannot, by any stretch of the imagination, be termed #ENDSARS protesters. They are criminal elements who decided to hide under the guise of an otherwise noble cause, to steal and destroy public property.
“This must not be condoned by any means and we do hope that the relevant security arms of government will secure what is left of the NPA building and other national assets across the country so as to prevent another round of destruction.
“We also do hope that an investigation will be promptly launched into the incident to unravel the perpetrators.”
“The seaports are critical to the economic well being of Nigeria and Nigerians. Port workers are also essential service workers, so I wish to use this opportunity to urge governments at all levels to ensure that hoodlums are not allowed to gain access into the ports or launch attacks on port workers.
“The country cannot afford prolonged interruption of port operations though we have seen severe interruptions of services at the Apapa, Tin Can and Onne Ports over the past few days.
“Trucks have been unable to go in and out of the port and many perishable items are rotting away.
“We therefore urge government to make it possible for port workers to return to work immediately so as to minimise the impact of prolonged closures.”
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