Border closure: Container volume rises, threatens Lagos port space, APMT warns

The APM Terminals (APMT), operator of the container port at the Lagos Port Complex (LPC) has warned that following some commendable policies of government which included improvement in the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business policy, the Agriculture Promotion policy and the closure of land borders policy, container volume at the seaports are currently on the rise, and there is need for prompt clearance to avoid high yard density otherwise known as congestion.

According to a statement signed by the management of the APM Terminals on Monday in Lagos, the high yard density could impact berthing of vessels, and lead to vessel queues at the Lagos port.

“We have recently experienced a substantial increase in the volume of containers arriving through the seaports. This positive development can be attributed to various positive government policies such as improvement in the implementation of Ease of Doing Business policy, the Agriculture Promotion Policy and closure of land borders to curtail smuggling activities amongst others.

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“However, if these containers are not cleared by customers soon enough, this volume increase could lead to high yard density which could impact berthing of vessels resulting in vessel queues. We are anticipating further improvement in throughput ahead of Christmas and year-end.

“We, therefore, urge all the relevant stakeholders and the wider port community to ensure timely delivery of containers in an effective manner without compromising the government’s policies and procedures. The terminal is willing to offer a discount for longstanding containers commensurate with dwell time and therefore urge customers with containers in this category to take advantage of the offer and take delivery of their containers.

“We commend the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for operating the Lilypond Transit Truck park and the Presidential Task Team on decongesting Apapa access roads for their effective implementation of the call-up system and traffic management system respectively.

“As for the terminal, we assure the shipping lines and our landside customers, that we are dedicating adequate resources despite the seasonal bad weather, working closely with the Port Authority, other relevant agencies and stakeholders for improved terminal performance to ensure prompt cargo delivery after release by the Nigeria Customs Service,” the APM Terminals management stated.