Eastern Maritime Stakeholders Sensitized on Urgent Evacuation of Overtime Cargoes to Improve Ports Efficiency and Boost Nigerian Economy
PORT HARCOURT/Nigeria: In a recent event held in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, stakeholders in the Eastern Maritime region were sensitized about the pressing need to evacuate overtime cargoes at various seaports and terminals. The event was part of the ongoing Joint Task Team Committee’s nationwide sensitization exercise to address the issue of overstay cargoes, which has been impeding the smooth movement of containers and negatively affecting terminal operations in the Maritime industry.
Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), commended the Federal government for its directive to decongest the seaports. He emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement in achieving this goal, stating, “such is relevant and necessary given the escalating issue of cargo congestion at the seaports and terminals.”
Represented by the Ports Manager, Onne Ports Complex, Mr. Stanley Magaji Yitnoe, Bello-Koko highlighted that seaports were originally designed to be efficient transit points, facilitating swift movement of goods. However, they have become burdened with un-cleared cargoes for various reasons, obstructing terminal operations and adversely impacting overall port efficiency and the national economy.
One of the major concerns raised by Bello-Koko was the scarcity of space at the seaport terminals, particularly at the West African Container Terminal (WACT) and Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT). Long-stay containers have resulted in significant land loss, affecting terminal efficiency and performance. He urged terminal operators, shipping companies, and consignees to support the presidential committee’s efforts to resolve the issue promptly, as it would enhance port efficiency, improve performance, and create a more favorable business environment at the ports.
In response to the challenges posed by overtime containers, Bello-Koko pledged the NPA’s unwavering support and cooperation. He assured the stakeholders of the NPA’s commitment to provide necessary resources and expertise to ensure successful implementation of the deliberations and tangible improvements at the ports.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, represented by the Director of Maritime Services, Babatunde Sule, stressed the event’s objective of decongesting the ports and terminals to create space for other cargoes and reduce cargo dwelling and ships’ turnaround time. Ajani emphasized the need for collaborative efforts among the Federal Ministry of Transport, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Shippers Council, and the Nigerian Ports Authority to achieve this goal and improve the Nigerian economy.
Deacon Chinedu Ikenga, Secretary General of ANLCA Onne Seaport chapter and Group Managing Director of Prestige Associates Bonded Terminal, expressed concern about the policy inconsistency of the government, which has negatively affected cargo clearing at the ports and terminals. He also pointed out the adverse impact of exchange rate fluctuations on maritime businesses and urged the government to formulate clear and consistent policies to prevent importers from abandoning their cargoes due to excessive clearing costs.
The event was attended by representatives from ANLCA, NAGAFF, terminal operators, shipping companies, operators of customs bonded terminals, and other stakeholders, who collectively explored solutions to address the overtime container challenges and enhance ports’ efficiency, contributing to a more robust Nigerian economy.
Credit: Bon Peters in Port Harcourt.
