Gridlock: NPA suspends export receipts at Western ports for two weeks

Segun Oladipupo

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced the suspension of export receipts at both Apapa, Tin Can Island ports and all satellite truck parks for fourteen days.

The suspension, which takes effect from today, March 22, 2021, is necessitated by the need for consultations with export cargo stakeholders, and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on the harmonisation of procedures required of owners of this category of cargo.

In a release by the Authority signed by the Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications Division, Ibrahim Nasiru, the temporary suspension is part of efforts to improve access into, and service delivery at the Western ports.

The release explained that the suspension does not affect export refrigerated cargo and trucks whose operators have secured call up tickets as at Friday, March 19, 2021.

Part of the statement reads, “All other segments of port users are enjoined to continue carrying on their businesses by using the designated truck parks and booking for access into the ports on the Eto platform

“The Authority thanks all stakeholders for their support towards the success of Eto since its introduction three weeks ago and seeks continued support in the determination to end truck congestion on access roads into the ports and improve service delivery,” the statement concluded.