CARGO TRUCKERS HEAVES SIGN OF RELIEVE AS NPA APPROVED THE OPENING OF THE COMPLETED PORTION OF ROAD ‘D’ @ FOT, ONNE PORT

By Emma Nwokonna On May 23, 2025

By Golden Enyi Onyema

There are positive signals within the Onne Port Community that Container Truck drivers and other road users are happy to hear that Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) will soon be opening the completed portion of ‘Road D’ at Federal Ocean Terminal (FOT), in Onne Port.

This information was disclosed following an exclusive interview News Angle Maritime Editor held with a prominent Agent and Member of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA) (name withheld), @ Onne Seaport.

The Agent who pleaded anonymity said that he heard from a very credible source that OMT Management is pushing very strongly to convince NPA Management to open up the already completed portion of ‘Road D’ for truck drivers and other operatives to ease difficulties they regular encounter on the earthen road of Road D. ” First and very importantly is our appreciation to the Managing Director of NPA for the construction and completion of a section of Road D; and also thanking OMT Management for showing leadership by encouraging NPA MD, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho to open the already completed section of Road D @ FOT, Onne Port”, the anonymous stakeholder told News Angle Editor.

Also last week, News Angle Newspaper in an investigation authoritatively gathered that many drivers who got wind of possible plans by NPA to open the completed section of Road D, describe it as a welcome development, thanking NPA for stepping up their push to address road infrastructural needs @ FOT, Onne Port.

A source also hinted this tabloid that ‘trucks tripping’ on the earthed road, had been a regular situation, prompting OMT Management to beg NPA 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 our 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, had on 10th of February, 2025 written a letter to the Managing Director of NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho applauding NPA for fast – tracking the completion of a section of Road D at FOT, Onne Port.

The letter with the subject: “Request For Permission to use completed Portion of Road D”, said they are writing to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), for the construction of Road D within the Onne Port Complex.

The company added that the completion of a section of this road is a significant milestone in the development of the ports infrastructure; saying they commend NPA for her efforts in enhancing the port’s facilities.

” 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”, OMT MD was quoted as saying.

We gathered that OMT MD also made case not only for their operatives in the usage of the completed portion of the road, but for truckers, agents and other terminal operators in the environment, pleading with NPA to open the already completed section of Road D @ Onne Port. Hear what OMT MD, Nicolo Scannavini told NPA MD, Abubakar Dantsoho: ” In the light of the above, we respectfully request permission to use the completed portion of Road D. This will enable NPA 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”.