The Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) has raised the alarm over increasing number of bonded port terminals in residential areas of Amuwo Odofin in Lagos State.
The union described the proliferation of some of the terminals as a menace to urban and regional planning development in the state and that of maritime operations .
President General of MWUN Comrade Adewale Adeyanju in a chat with newsmen recently, called on the Federal and State governments to also review licenses of the operators, stressing the need to checkmate their activities .
While alleging that some of the operators are not licensed genuinely by the government, the MWUN boss alleged that some of the off dock terminals carry out Customs examination of cargoes along the roads which in turn negates the rules of engagement on trade facilitation and maritime security.
Adeyanju also explained that regulations of the bonded terminals is key because some of the operators are violating urban planning laws and that of the port act, pointing out that the proliferation of such facilities should be nipped in the bud urgently.
He noted that dockworkers under the union’s watch cannot participate in cargo examinations in some of these facilities because according to him, examinations of consignments are executed inappropriately.
The MWUN stressed the need for proper monitoring and enforcement on all off-dock terminals within the Amuwo Odofin axis by the relevant government authorities, noting that “There are some terminals in that area where we don’t have the presences of NPA, Customs ,and other relevant security personnel yet they operate, yet containers are being lifted out of those facilities.
Adeyanju said, “The way and manner bonded terminals are springing up in Festac Town now is alarming and we are calling on the government to carry out proper regulations in urban areas of the state not to be converted to off-dock terminals which will bring about pollution and anxiety.
“It is the responsibilities of the government to checkmate, regulate and enforce activities of those bonded terminals in that area and not the union because these road side terminals continue to constitute nuisance with all forms of illegalities.
“Dockworkers operation in bonded terminals exist, but it is only those that are legitimate and approved by government that you can find our members there.
“Those that are licensed and authorized by the government, I will say have a very good working relationship with us . As long as the Customs and NPA are able to give them permit for them to operate, we are there; but not those kind of off dock terminals that exists under the Festac Town link bridge.”
Recall that freight forwarders have expressed worries over lack of infrastructure and handling equipment in some of the bonded terminals within the Amuwo Odofin axis of the state. They also urged regulatory agencies to carry out enforcement in some of facilities
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