By John Iwori
Ghana port has begun direct shipment to Nigerian ports, THISDAY checks have revealed. The move, according to sources, was in furtherance of the West African country’s bid to make its port a hub in the West and Central Africa sub-region. Already, a 10, 000 tonnes vessel have started berthing at the ECM Terminal in Calabar, Cross River State, according to THISDAY investigation. It was gathered that Ghana’s move to begin shipment from its port situated in Tema to Nigeria’s port located in the Cross River State capital, Calabar is a threat to Nigeria’s quest to be the hub in West and Central Africa sub-region. The direct shipment between Tema Port and Calabar Port, sources said is being pursued by African Independent Feeder (AIF).
To ease commerce and trade in line with globalisation, AIF is said to be projecting to link ports in the West and Central African sub-regions in the nearest future. Not a few port users, especially importers and licensed customs agents have welcomed the development. The pointed out that it is good omen to those who do business in the Eastern and South-south parts of the country. They averred that in spite of the threat to Nigeria’s quest to be a hub in the West and Central Africa sub-regions, the arrival of the direct shipping service is favourable for traders and businesses to in Calabar and its environs as they have no reason to route their consignments through the ports situated in Lagos. A licensed customs agent, Mr. Christopher Nwachukwu told THISDAY that the neglect by government seems to be deliberate and that the ship calling from Terma has increased business activities in the port.
According to him, the small vessel takes cargo from Ghana because of the low channel to the port but noted that the drivers of the project are making plans to bring in more vessels as cargo volume increases. Managing Director of ECM Terminals, Kingsley Iheneacho and the Port Manager, Calabar Port, Mr. Durowaiye Ayodele could not be reached for comments as their mobile numbers were not reachable. As at press time, there was no response to the short message service (SMS) sent to their lines as more stakeholders in the maritime industry bicker over the prospect of the direct shipment between the two key West African countries.
http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ghana-port-begins-direct-shipment-to-nigeria/217058/
