WE WANT TO MAKE SURE PORTS ACTIVITIES GOES UNHINDERED – BELLO

…Importers to Take Delivery of Cargoes during Easter Holidays

By Innocent Orok

In continuation of port stakeholders engagement and collaboration to make sure ports activities goes unhindered as directed by President Mohammadu Buhari. And in furtherance to the directive of the president in his nationwide broadcast of 29th March 2020 in which he stated that the ports/terminals remain operational. The Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, led by the ES/CEO, Mr. Hassan Bello paid a visit to Five-Star Logistics (FSL) Wednesday.

Bello had pointed out that, Nigeria, like other countries, cannot afford to close down ports; but to allow cargo flow, particularly pharmaceutical products, industrial raw materials and hospital equipment amongst others.

He commended the Five Star Logistic terminal for the compliance measures put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. While noting the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the use of everyone on the premises as the terminal remained operational during the lockdown.
He stated that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is working tirelessly to ensure that port operations and seamless movement of cargo delivery is achieved.

Responding, the FSL Management represented by the General Manager, Mr. Wolfgang Schneider, informed the NSC management that only essential staff come to work. He further stated that, the terminal has over 5000-6000 vehicles ready for delivery during the Easter public holiday.
He highlighted various challenges most important of which he said is limited space for storage.
The FSL also appealed to NSC to intervene in the issue of barge operations by ensuring that they continue.

Bello had also contacted the Nigerian Customs Service, Terminal Operators, CRFFN and the Presidential Task Team to collaborate on the restoration of order on Apapa roads during the Easter period to enable freight forwarders take delivery of their cargoes.

“What this means is that the terminals will be open to any freight forwarder who has completed his/her paperwork to remove their cargoes from the ports as the terminals and officers of the Nigerian Customs Service will be on ground working to facilitate movement of cargoes out of the ports from April 10 to April 13. This is to reduce congestion at the seaside and the terminals.
Freight forwarders are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opening.” Bello said.