Terminal Operators Accused of Frustrating Port Decongestion Efforts

Terminal Operators Accused of Frustrating Port Decongestion Efforts

NAGAFF 100% Compliance National Coordinator,Dr.Ibrajim Tanko

By Frank Odinukaeze

Dr. Ibrahim Tanko, the National Coordinator of the 100% Compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), has accused terminal operators of obstructing efforts to decongest Nigeria’s ports.
In a statement released Friday ,and signed the100 % Compliance National Coordinator ,Dr. Tanko highlighted the challenges faced by the Overtime and Auction Committee, which includes Customs Service and other government agencies, in accessing containers trapped at the ports due to demurrage.

Dr. Tanko specifically pointed out the uncooperative attitude of terminal operators, particularly TICT and Ports & Cargo, who have allegedly refused to grant the Committee access to the containers. He lamented that over 10,000 containers are currently trapped at these terminals, exacerbating the congestion issue.

“We have an issue with the Terminal Operators. Government is trying to decongest the ports by setting up a Committee of Overtime and Auction. Most of these boxes in the ports are being trapped because of demurrage,” Dr. Tanko stated. He further criticized the terminal operators for turning down requests for waivers and ignoring numerous letters from the Committee.

Dr. Tanko, who is also a Board of Trustees member of NAGAFF, warned that if the terminal operators continue to obstruct the Committee’s efforts, freight forwarders would withdraw their services at the ports.
“We are on the part of government. If they refuse to cooperate with the committee, we are going to withdraw our services. By then, the government will come in. Everybody will come in. We cannot take it again,” he asserted.

The 100% Compliance Team has given the terminal operators a two-week ultimatum to reconsider their stance or face the consequences of a service withdrawal by freight forwarders.

This development underscores the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s maritime sector, where port congestion remains a significant issue affecting trade facilitation and logistics efficiency. The call for cooperation from terminal operators is seen as crucial to resolving the congestion and ensuring smooth operations at the ports.