The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has restricted terminal operators from screening export containers at their various gates from 1st of May, 2024.
This, it said, is to facilitate seamless movement of export cargoes onboard ocean going vessels,
Speaking during a quarterly stakeholders meeting organised by Bellington Cargo Limited, in Lagos, on the numerous challenges confronting export cargoes, the managing director, NPA, Mohammed Bello- Koko, reiterated that terminal operators have been mandated to steer clear from any form of hindrance for cargo laden trucks on exports.
Bello-Koko, who was represented by the Port Manager, NPA Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), Charles Okaga, added that the federal government currently frowned at any distractions or challenges against export.
The NPA boss reiterated that terminal operators have been mandated to steer clear from any form of hindrance that could delay export cargo.
“Export Processing Terminal (EPT) has come to stay in furtherance to promote trade facilitation alongside ease of doing business at our seaports. Terminal Operators are to move their export screening gates to the main gate of the port so that once their activities are concluded there, any export truck that moves into the port will drive straight to the terminal without any further impediment or encumbrance to his movement into the port,” he added.
Speaking on the Bellington facility, the NPA boss stated that, it is a brave attempt by indigenous business concerns to help in economic growth and development of their country.
“The facility as you can see is a one stop facility for export and is an attempt to bring port operations to the grassroot and closer to the hinterland,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the managing director, Bellington Cargo Limited , Augustine Esiekpe, called on the government at all levels to look inward and address the harassment and extortions by thugs from truck drivers and motor boys.
Esiekpe lamented that export cargoes have suffered many setbacks because of the situation along the roads orchestrated by hoodlums.