Fear Grips ENL Terminals Over FG’s Moves To Construct Rail Network At Quay Apron

Port concessionaire, ENL Consortium on Wednesday ,  expressed worries over federal government decision to construct rail tracks along the  quay apron , saying the project if actualised  will negatively affect  operations and delay of turnaround time of vessels at berth.

 

ENL is the official owners of terminal C and D of the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC).

 

Speaking at a working visit by members of Nigeria Port Process Manual (NPPM), Implementation Committee , Assistant General Manager, ENL Consortium, Mr. Abiodun Marcus reiterated that management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been advised on the danger inherent on the construction of a rail track at the quayside but added that the government was bent on fixing rail connectivity to link the terminal.

 

Marcus further decried government flip flop policies as another constraints affecting its operations noting that ban on rice, fertilizer, sugar and other commodities has negatively crashed revenue generation of the terminal operator.

 

Highlighting other challenges militating against its operations and revenue drive, the AGM added that 24 hours power generation solely managed by the concessionaire also negates profit oriented business venture.

 

According to him, traffic situation in Apapa community has not encouraged shipping and port businesses to thrive but maintained that with the NPPM Implementation Committee in place, the tendency for such issues would be resolved in a short period.

 

He also explained that despite the numerous challenges faced by the concessionaire, taxes and levies were paid as at when due to the federal government from inception of the port concession pointing out that workers salaries were also settled as at when due.

 

The AGM also frowned at delays on the  importation of spare parts  for the maintenance and replacement of equipment at the terminal ; which in turn affects operations due to some policies established by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

 

Speaking earlier, Coordinator, NPPM, Implementation Committee, Mr. Moses Fadipe assured the concessionaire of government support to assist in addressing some of the challenges.

 

Fadipe promised to consult with management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation to gather first hand information about  the construction of the new rail tracks at the quay apron at the terminal.

 

He urged the concessionaire to share vital information with the NPPM Implementation Committee noting that it would go a long way in resolving most of challenges raised.

 

 

 

 

 

“Our problems are compounded by government policies because they are not regular and consistent.

 

By Roland Ekama