Group advocates rail interconnectivity between Tincan and Apapa ports to end gridlock

West Africa Road Transport Union (WARTU), has stated that the only solution to the Apapa perennial gridlock is to link the Tincan port and Lagos Port Complex (LPC) by rail.

The Union said such initiative would facilitate effective cargo movement within the corridor.

The continental union stated further that instead of container laden trucks plying  the dilapidated port access roads along the Apapa Oshodi expressway, government should embark on acquisition of more wagons and coaches to move huge volume of cargoes out of  the Lagos ports to the hinterland and landlocked countries through a single channel.

 Public Relations Officers of WARTU, Alhaji Nasiru Salami in a chat with newsmen, stressed the need for  rail connectivity within the two ports which according to him, would address issues of gridlock along the corridor.

Salami who is also an expert in logistics stated that cargoes can exit Tin Can Island Port through the rails down to Apapa for onward delivery to the importers warehouse which in turn would reduce the man hours spent along the Apapa Oshodi Expressway.

He noted that “The only solution to address this gridlock along the Apapa Oshodi expressway is for government to connect railway line from Tin Can Island port to Apapa port.

According to him, the railway line is instrumental in solving the gridlock along the corridors adding that cargoes would get to their respective destination on time.

While harping on the ease of doing business,  in line with the 24 hours cargo clearance from the nation’s seaports,the transport and logistics expert affirmed that government has what it takes to procure more wagons and coaches for movement of large volume of cargoes out of the ports to the importers warehouse.

“Cargoes from Tin Can Port  will go through Apapa then move to other rail line to the various locations across the six geo political zones and when you move such volumes of cargo from the two ports ; then you will understand  that thousands of trucks will be of the access roads.

“The moment high number of cargoes move out of the port from one exit point , then the traffic situation on the road will reduce . Its a simple solution if the government can provide the necessary infrastructure in place.

The transport expert lamented that WARTU will continue to advice the government of the day on the best way out to ease the traffic quagmires of the ports corridors adding that failure for cargoes not delivered  to the final destination on time affects trade facilitation and local manufacturing sub sector.

He further disclosed that the transport group is set to establish regional offices across the six geo political zones adding that WARTU would partner with the Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Railway Services in proffering lasting solution to chaotic traffic situation in Apapa and it’s environs.

He said that Nigerian chapter of WARTU has the whole component of logistics chain supply management in the region adding that the private sector play a very crucial role in the transport sector.

Earlier, Chairman of WARTU Nigeria Chapter, Mr. Gideon Ayandele said the association is set to take a position on the existing. dry ports for effective utilisation.

“WARTU is not quite because we have programmes lined up for the year 2019 and we are set to bring all stakeholders together to proffer solutions to the transport sub sector if Nigeria