Checks by the Nigerian Tribune have revealed that the recently launched Lagos-Ibadan container movement from the Lagos Ports suffered a hitch for most part of last week and early this week as cargo owners refused to put their containers on the train services over fears of having double handling charges slammed on their cargoes on arrival in Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State.
This is even as the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) confirmed the hitch due to fears of double handling, stating that the issue has, however, been resolved.
Recall that the Federal Government had flagged-off the evacuation of containers via rail from Apapa Port to Ibadan on September 12 with a fully loaded 30-wagon train moving containers from Apapa to Moniya in Ibadan.
When the Nigerian Tribune visited the port on Monday, it was discovered that the Lagos-Ibadan cargo rail was struggling to get containers for its freight services as many importers were opting for road haulage out of fear of double handling charges.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, a port official who wouldn’t want his name in print explained that, “Since the inaugural trip of the Lagos-Ibadan cargo rail which was fully loaded, subsequent trips have not attracted much containers as expected.
“The importers are complaining of double handling charges. Some charges that have been paid at the Lagos Port are being levied on the containers on arrival at Moniya in Ibadan.
“This has led to many of the cargo owners not approving that their containers be moved by rail. Even Customs examination is an issue but we hope the government agencies sort these issues out in good time.”
When contacted, the Lagos District Manager of the NRC, Augustine Arisa, confirmed the issues with double handling charges but said the corporation has resolved it.
“Yes, we had a hitch on the Lagos-Ibadan cargo rail. Many of the importers wouldn’t want their containers on the cargo rail due to double handling charges. You know the NRC cannot just unilaterally put a container on the cargo rail. It has to be done with the consent of the cargo owners.
“So, due to the issues around double handling charges that the inaugural trip suffered, many importers subsequently refused to put their containers on the cargo rail to Ibadan.
“However, we have resolved these issues. Even the Customs issues too have been resolved. We hope to commence full movement of container freight from Apapa to Moniya in Ibadan this week,” the NRC Lagos District Manager explained to the Nigerian Tribune.
The Federal Government’s effort at decongesting the Lagos Port received a boost recently with the commencement of the Lagos to Ibadan container freight service. The services, according to the Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali, will be running three trips daily and 90 trips monthly.
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