Export Cargoes Barred From Lagos Ports For Two Weeks — Bala Usman

Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of Nigeria Ports Authority
(NPA), says export cargoes have been suspended from gaining access
into the Lagos ports for two weeks.

The NPA boss told Radio Now 95.3 FM in an interview on Monday
that the suspension is effective Monday, March 22.

Usman explained that the move is aimed at preventing parking on
port access roads as part of efforts to end the Apapa gridlock
problem.

“All export cargoes for two weeks will not be allowed access
into the port. We have a backlog of over 600 trucks that have
approached the port coming out of their truck parks and are
currently in that location within the port corridors, within the
Lilypond. So we are suspending all export cargoes, ” she said.

“We have noted the challenge we have with export cargoes which
resulted in this congestion. A lot of export cargoes start
approaching without completing their documentation.

“This has been a challenge for us, the documentation, in terms
of readiness of the terminal operators to receive them, some of the
certifications they require from supervisory agencies based on the
type of exports that they carry. They also have several custom
certifications and CBN documents that they need to complete.

“Recognising that as a problem, we have invited the export
promotion council to join us this week to meet with the large
exporters to make them understand the procedures as it relates to
documentation.

“If any of your documents are not ready, you must remain within
your location. Actually, you shouldn’t even start your journey to
the ports.”

The authority recently launched an electronic call-up system to
regulate the movement of trucks in and out of the Apapa and Tin Can
Island Ports in Lagos.

With the call-up system, trucks are required to remain in
designated truck parks and wait to be called upon before
approaching the ports.

Hadiza Bala Usman, managing director of Nigeria Ports Authority
(NPA), says export cargoes have been suspended from gaining access
into the Lagos ports for two weeks.

The NPA boss told Radio Now 95.3 FM in an interview on Monday
that the suspension is effective Monday, March 22.

Usman explained that the move is aimed at preventing parking on
port access roads as part of efforts to end the Apapa gridlock
problem.

“All export cargoes for two weeks will not be allowed access
into the port. We have a backlog of over 600 trucks that have
approached the port coming out of their truck parks and are
currently in that location within the port corridors, within the
Lilypond. So we are suspending all export cargoes, ” she said.

“We have noted the challenge we have with export cargoes which
resulted in this congestion. A lot of export cargoes start
approaching without completing their documentation.

“This has been a challenge for us, the documentation, in terms
of readiness of the terminal operators to receive them, some of the
certifications they require from supervisory agencies based on the
type of exports that they carry. They also have several custom
certifications and CBN documents that they need to complete.

“Recognising that as a problem, we have invited the export
promotion council to join us this week to meet with the large
exporters to make them understand the procedures as it relates to
documentation.

“If any of your documents are not ready, you must remain within
your location. Actually, you shouldn’t even start your journey to
the ports.”

The authority recently launched an electronic call-up system to
regulate the movement of trucks in and out of the Apapa and Tin Can
Island Ports in Lagos.

With the call-up system, trucks are required to remain in
designated truck parks and wait to be called upon before
approaching the ports.