Nigerian ports have been rated as the most expensive in Africa. This was from the Minister of State for Transportation, Senator Gbemisola Saraki in a recent report by ThisDay.
According to the Minister, her view was premised on the multiplicity of duties and functions by operators at the ports.
Saraki made this remark while hosting a visit by members of Association of Licenced Custom Agents (ANLCA) in Abuja.
She was of the view that the cost of operations was on the high side and has kept Nigeria far from competition with other countries while lamenting that Nigeria is supposed to be the cheapest and biggest player.
In a release made available by ministry’s Director of Press, Mr Eric Ejekwe said Nigeria is regarded as a dumping ground for empty containers which has contributed to the gridlock at Apapa.
“Everyone knows that and I assure you that we will soon unveil plans which will surely bring about positive changes.”
She urged the members to embrace dialogue on government policies whether they are workable or not.
In his remarks, the National President of ANLCA, Iju Nwabunike said the visit was needful to update the Minister on the operations in the field. He applauded the ministry for it’s its role in the growth of the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria.
While the nation’s seaport continues to grapple with huge inflow of cargo, the traffic gridlock continues to worsen in the community hosting the ports.
Sometimes mid-2019, the incumbent governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu paid visits to Apapa while declaring his intention to create a long lasting solution to the problem.
In a report by Business day, It was reported that Sanwo-Olu met with port operators who lamented their challenges at the Nigerian Ports Authority and Lilly Port Terminals which gave him a clearer inside picture of the challenges.
The governor’s observation according to the report was hugely around picking and dropping off containers in the Ports .He planned a meeting with NIMASA, shipping council’s, NPA, the federal government and other agencies to resolve issues.
While the dual solutions from the state and federal government are being awaited, Nigerians are indeed hopeful for long lasting measures for smooth running of operations at the ports.
By Francis Ogwo
Sources- ThisDay
BusinessDay
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very funny