Shippers’ Council Asks Port Users & Govt Agencies to support the FG in containing Covid-19

Abiodun OBA

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has called for synergy amongst port users and government agencies to support the Federal Government in containing the scourge of the deadly virus.

In a statement by the management of the Council, various efforts are being made by NSC for the possible sustenance of port operations during this period.

The statement said NSC has been inundated with complaints that banks are not offering services with respect to port operations which without doubt, hampers cargo clearance from the ports.

Shippers’ Council therefore said: “The attention of the banks is, therefore, drawn to the Notice by the Federal Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Nigeria, which allows operations in the financial system. We note that port operations as indicated by the President are essential and critical services.

“Nigerian Shippers’ Council is discussing with all parties so that a balanced solution can be achieved especially the issue of demurrage and incentives to facilitate the clearance of goods from the ports”.

As an intervention, NSC, has donated protective gears for port users worth N5m to be distributed to relevant field and operational staff.

The Council also donates the sum of N5,000,000.00 (Five Million Naira) only to be used collectively in the fight against Covid-19 in Lagos, Abuja and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

In addition, in order to ease movement of accredited freight forwarders who have business to conduct at the ports and other port users, Nigerian Shippers’ Council is providing buses to and from the ports.

The buses will leave the following locations at 8am during this period with effect from 1^st April, 2020: Festac (by Apple junction), Okokomaiko (at Alakija under bridge) and Surulere (by National Stadium)

Others are Oshodi (at Charity bus stop) and Ikeja (at Ikeja along bus stop).

Edited by ‘Biodun Soyele