Nigerian Ports Authority to Decongest Apapa, Tin Can Ports

• Nigerian Ports Authority to Decongest Apapa, Tin Can Ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Tuesday announced steps to decongest both the Apapa and Tin Can Island ports.

In a statement issued yesterday, it said the rent-free period for cargoes in the terminals will be increased from the current three days period to 21 free days before commencement of rent charges.

Also, the NPA will extend the demurrage free period on the return of empty containers from the present five days to fifteen days.

“Shipping companies should immediately deploy sweeper vessels to evacuate empty containers from the port to clear the backlog of empty containers littering the country within four months. The Authority encourages the use of Onne Ports for such sweeper vessels,” the statement read.

“The Nigerian Customs Service is urged to immediately commence the process of auctioning of overtime cargoes. This is imperative as the ports are meant to be transit and not storage facilities. These auctions should be carried out on the spot at port locations and every buyer would be given a stipulated short period to evacuate the cargoes out of the ports after which they will be re-auctioned.”

“Terminal operators are however encouraged to negotiate and grant waivers to consignees to facilitate the evacuation of these cargoes to mitigate against the auctioning which will result in a total loss of revenue by the terminal operator and the loss of cargo by the consignee.”

“The Authority wishes to state that these measures are emergency steps taken to immediately reduce the financial burden of congestion on citizens as the Federal Government proceeds to permanently resolve the congestion through the following: reconstruction of the port access road, the provision of trailer park and holding bays with e-call up system, the enhancement of cargo evacuation using rail transportation and inland waterways with barges among others.”