The Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) has called for a lasting solution to the looming congestion in the Lagos port.
The unpleasant congestion is believed to be as a result of the partial closure of land borders since cargoes that are supposed to go through the land borders are now diverted to the seaports thereby leading to cargo throughput in the ports.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting organized by the Council on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary (ES) of the Council, Barrister Hassan Bello said that the agency is seeking a permanent solution to the congestion menace and that informed the interaction with the stakeholders.
The ES who was represented by the Director, Inland Transport Service of the Council, Mr. Akintunde Makinde disclosed that the agency is tasked with improving and increasing efficiency in the ports and it seeks stakeholders support in this new year,
In his words “We have a looming congestion at our Lagos ports, this is partly occasioned by closure of our land borders which has caused the problem
“The cargoes diverted from borders are coming in through the seaport,This has shot up the throughput in the port suddenly,” he quipped.
Speaking earlier, during her welcome speech, Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Ms Hadiza Bala Usman said that the issue of the gridlock is a problem to all stakeholders in the port environment. And a permanent solution to the problem is what the agency is seeking which prompted the stakeholders interaction.
Represented at the meeting by the Tincan Island Port Manager, Alhaji Umar, said “The issue of gridlock is a concern to any stakeholder. We are looking forward for permanent solution that will put an end to the problem.
“You know it has to do with the issue of ongoing road construction, issue of trucks not following due process and so many other things,” he added.
