The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has met with shipping companies and terminal operators in a bid to end the congestion at the Lagos Port Complex.
The meeting, a statement by Mr Jatto A. Adams, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA said, was in response to the recent increase in the waiting time of vessels calling at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.
According to Adams, the decisions arrived at during the meeting are aimed at immediately resolving the congestion in the Lagos Pilotage District.
“As from Monday, January 27, 2020, vessels which have waited to berth at any terminal within the Lagos Pilotage District will be diverted to other terminals with capacity to berth vessels within the district,” said the statement.
It further stated that in the event that all terminals in Lagos cannot discharge any vessels within four days, such vessels will be diverted to the Eastern Ports (other pilotage districts) for immediate berthing.
Also that the NPA will liaise with other relevant government agencies on behalf of stakeholders to expedite the clearance of vessels and cargoes, where necessary.
While soliciting the cooperation of all stakeholders, Adams added that ”these actions have been taken to promote the Ease of Doing Business Policy of the Federal Government and curtail the negative economic impact that the long turn around time of vessels has on stakeholders”.