In an effort to enhance efficient operations at the ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commenced the evacuation of overtime cargoes. This development comes after the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, led an inter-agency team, including the NPA, Nigerian Customs, and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, on an assessment tour of the congested ports.
According to the NPA, the Lagos and Tincan Island Port complexes, along with the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, have been filled with 3,200 units of overtime cars and approximately 3,295 units of overtime containers. Additionally, the eastern ports have a combined total of 956 overtime containers. The accumulation of these overtime cargoes has not only limited terminal space for smooth cargo handling operations but has also contributed to the deterioration of port infrastructure, which is designed for transient purposes rather than long-term storage.
Stakeholders, including shipping lines, associations of freight forwarders, and clearing agents, have unanimously agreed on the decision to auction the overtime cargoes “in-situ” (in their current locations) and promptly remove them from the ports. To ensure transparency and inclusiveness, the modalities governing the auction process will be finalized through consultations with stakeholders in the eastern ports of Warri, Rivers, Onne, and Calabar.
The Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, has consistently sought the cooperation of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) to facilitate the swift removal of overtime cargo from the ports and terminal yards. This action aims to create space and preserve the durability of the capital-intensive port infrastructure.
