By Roland Ekama , Lagos
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has frowned at the unavailability of space for barge operations to thrive at AP Mollier Terminals ,Lagos Ports Complex (LPC) and Tin Can Island Containers Terminal (TICT) ,Tin Can Port .
Management of the port authority further urged the concessionaires to expedite actions to create a conducive environment for large volume of cargo movement via waterways transportation in furtherance to boosting trade facilitation and existing gridlock within the port community.
Speaking at a stakeholders forum put together by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in Lagos, Port Manager, Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), NPA , Mrs. Funmilayo Olotu described barge operations in port activities as a panacea to the lingering gridlock in Apapa and it’s environs.
Olotu , a former Port Manager, Calabar Port , lamented that the two terminal operators were bent on frustrating cargo movement through barges , adding that government would not tolerate any form of highhandedness and negligence from the service providers.
She also called on the concessionaires to acquire more handling equipment which according to her, would improve on service delivery for shippers and manufacturers.
The Port Manager noted that “Barge operations have been described as the only solution to the Apapa gridlock and I think we need to commend all of the barge owners for their innovation .
“APMT is here at this meeting, I will make sure I put you on the spot and ensure that you guys behave the way government wants you to behave in Nigeria.
“APMT has just four berths and with the size of ships coming in to that terminal can only handle three ships , therefore as barge operators ; they come in through Eko Support and ENL which is not healthy for us.
” However, we are appealing to APMT to give us barge space within their terminal because these boxes are going to end up in your terminals. So why must they berth in Eko Support in the first place.
She called on management of the facilities to allow vessels with additional cranes to discharge containers directly as part of effort to decongest the ports.
“Since your terminal does not have enough cranes please kindly allow ships at your terminal to discharge containers in order to complement your inadequate and shortage of equipment.
” APMT promised us that they are bringing two additional cranes to the service but we are appealing to allow ships with cranes to assist in the process.
She advised the terminal operators to stop any form of charges imposed on the barge operators.
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