by Omenihu Alfred Fibmn {MAJAN MEMBER}
Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday, disclosed to journalists that plans have been concluded to assume tight licensing approach for barge operations in the nation’s waters as a way of stemming the inherent abuses the sector has been subjected to by stakeholders recently.
According to the Managing Director, Ms Hadiza Bala-Usman, who spoke in a virtual meeting with journalists, barge operation was intended to mitigate the hardship on the Apapa perennial traffic gridlock being experienced within the Ports Axis.
Furthermore, the MD, divulged that the Electronic Truck Call-up system introduced by NPA, would commence on Thursday, February 27, 2021, hence any stray truck found on Apapa road, would be impounded. She equally informed that eight truck parks had been approved as parking lots for truckers doing business in Lagos ports.
”The Authority would not smile on shipping companies failing to provide holding bays for their empty containers, at least 65 percent of their annual take.
“And importers and their agents would be qualified for the refund of container deposits made whenever empty boxes had made their way to such holding bays.
Usman expressed hope on improved shipping in the country with the expected delivery on approved deep seaports in different locations, citing Onne, Lekki in Lagos, Ibom in Akwa Ibom, as examples.
