NSC BROKERS RAIL CARGOES EVACUATION DEAL WITH NRC, APMT

By Innocent Orok

Hassan Bello, ES, Nigerian Shippers’ Council

For effective and prompt evaluation of cargoes from the nation premier port of Apapa, the Executive Secretary/ CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Hassan Bello has brokered a deal between the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and APMT one of the terminal operators at the Apapa port complex.

This has come as an effort to enhance operational efficiency and to encourage multimodal approach to cargo evacuation, especially within this period, hence the NSC recently paid a working visit to APM Terminal, the biggest Container Terminal in Nigeria.

During the visit the Shippers’ Council brokered a meeting between Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)and the terminal on rail evacuation of cargoes which has been temporarily suspended.

The meeting was successful as both parties pledged to abide with the Standard Operation Procedure (SOP) already established by the NSC for port operations. The Council promised it will closely monitor developments as regards the new deal.

The NSC Management team thereafter, in company of Port Health Officials, visited the Commercial Offices of APMT to observe compliance with Health and Safety protocols issued by the authorities.

Mr. Najeem Salami addressed the freight forwarders on the importance of adhering to the protocols for staying healthy in this season of COVID-19, while demonstrating proper ways to practice social distancing, hand washing and wearing of face masks.