This is even as the agency called on terminal operators to embrace automation system for cargo clearance.
According to a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday in Lagos, the Executive Secretary/Ceo of the Council, Mr Hassan Bello made the call when he led his management team on a visit to Port & Cargo Handling Services (P&CHS), Five Star Logistics Limited and APM Terminals.
According to Mr Hassan Bello, “the adoption of automation will improve cargo clearance, minimise the current gridlock being experienced in Apapa and reduce human traffic at the terminals.”
Bello added that the Ease of Doing Business Executive Order is realisable when there is synergy among various players in the transport and logistics chain.
He emphasised the need for all terminal operators to register with the Council, in addition to maintaining functional websites and proper records of daily transactions, which would help regulators and government in policy formulation.
The Executive Secretary reiterated that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as Port Economic Regulator, is interested in ensuring international best practice, adding that if other countries could attain the minimum operating standards at their ports, Nigeria should strive to achieve it.
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He said the Council is determined to embark on a periodic audit of all terminal operators, both manually and electronically.
Responding, Abayomi Obadare, Wolfgang Schneider and Chris Ulliet, General Managers of Port & Cargo Handling Services, Five Star Logistics and APM Terminals respectively, expressed optimism that the visit by officials of the ports economic regulator had given them an assurance that their present operational challenges would soon become history.
and then