The Kirikiri Lighter Terminal chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on Wednesday (26th Jan) shutdown Phase 2 of the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal operated by Joatelim Logistics Limited over poor safety standards and gross negligence which led to the death of one Kennedy Ikechukwu on Tuesday (25th Jan).
Chairman of the chapter, Goddy Sewa Soleji said the 46-year old Ikechukwu died on Tuesday inside the terminal while trying to get his container positioned for examination.
Without using any form of personal protective equipment and without being trained in crane operation or container handling, the deceased was said to have been directing the movement of a reach before he was run over and crushed to death by the machine.
After the incident, angry clearing agents stormed the terminal and shut down the facility.
Sources said the operator of the facility has begun negotiating compensation for the family of the deceased.
“What happened yesterday (Tuesday) was uncalled for because it was something that we have been complaining about. What happened was that due to poor handling, the crane hit the victim, and stepped on him to the extent that, from the chest down, his intestines busted out. It was ugly. The way we all felt yesterday was not good at all. It was a terrible incident.
“On several occasions, we have written to the management of Joatelim Logistics Limited to improve on their operations in terms of pavement of the terminal floors, to acquire more plants for efficient service delivery for importers and agents, and also to improve their manpower.
“Agents are not supposed to go into the terminal to position containers or pursue the plants that would handle the container. That is an analogue way of working that we have dumped two decades ago when NPA was in charge of the ports. In other terminals, agents do not have to go and position containers,” Soleji said.
The remains of the deceased clearing agent have been deposited at the Naval Hospital at Boundary, Ajegunle. He was confirmed dead on arrival, and a death certificate has been issued to the family.
