Terminal operators seek 24-hour port operation for efficient service delivery

Worried by the inability of importers and their agents including some government agencies involved in cargo clearance, to turn-up for clearing documentation at the port on weekends and public holidays, terminal operators under the aegis of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has said that Nigerian port needs to commence round-the-clock operations.

According to them, round-the-clock port operation, which terminal operators currently practise without involvement of other stakeholders, provides the necessary spread to eliminate congestion and unnecessary backlog of consignments inside the terminals, which makes the ports a lot more efficient.

Ports offer essential services, which obligated it to remain open at all times including weekends and public holidays, says STOAN in a statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, spokesman of STOAN and issued over the weekend.

The statement further disclosed that the concession agreement stipulates that the port must operate round-the-clock, a position that was reinstated by Idris Umar, former Minister of Transport, at a meeting held with operators, shipping companies, representatives of government agencies and port users on September 27, 2013 at the Western Ports office of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Apapa where it was emphasised that all parties must turn-up for cargo examination and delivery on weekends and public holidays.

Recall that NPA had also at various times, reiterated the importance of weekend and public holiday operations at the port. “For example, on 2nd October 2013, NPA issued a public statement to the effect that there were cargo clearance operations at the various terminals on October 1,” said Vicky Haastrup STOAN chairman.

“It is in the higher interest of the larger port community that ports remain open every day for both ship and landside operations. Currently, the terminals are open for full operation on weekends and public holidays and many consignees take delivery of their cargo on such days. Traffic on the other hand, is lighter and the rush is not as bad as what it is on week days. So, we urge those who are not taking advantage of these days to do so,” Haastrup said.

She emphasised that terminals apply relevant charges on consignment that are not cleared on time including on weekends and public holidays because the port opens on those days.

Recall that towards the end of 2011, the Federal Government in line with the port reform agenda, directed every operator at the port to commence 24-hour operations, but this is yet to impact positively on cargo clearance at port four years after due to lack of compliance.

Also, the low turnout of stakeholders including clearing agents and Customs officers had made it difficult for the policy to impact on cargo clearance. Banks, agents and other stakeholders blamed insecurity round the ports for non-compliance to 24-hour port operation.

UZOAMAKA ANAGOR-Ewuzie