Lagos Port Complex Decongestion Underway - NPA

Chinazor Megbolu

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said plans towards curbing congestion at the Lagos Port Complex are underway.

In a statement, the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of NPA, Mr. Adams Jatto on Friday in Lagos revealed that it became necessary in line with the response to the recent increase in the waiting time of vessel calling at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa.

The document also disclosed that NPA met with shipping firms and terminal operators and arrived at the decisions to decongest the port.

Jatto explained that the decision was aimed at resolving the congestion in the Lagos Pilotage District as soon as possible.

“As from 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”.

“In the event that all terminals in Lagos cannot discharge any vessel within four days, such vessels will be diverted to the Eastern Ports (other pilotage districts) for immediate berthing”.

“The Authority will liaise with other relevant government agencies on behalf of stakeholders to expedite the clearance of vessels and cargoes, where necessary”.

“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 turnaround time of vessels has on stakeholders,” he said.

He, however, seized the opportunity to solicit the cooperation of all stakeholders in the maritime sector.