Tin-Can ports and Ports & Terminal Multipurpose Limited (PTML), two major ports located along Apapa- Oshodi expressway may have started enjoying a fresh breath of life as activities boom at the ports with lots of used cars mostly damaged vehicles coming in through the two ports.
When Shipping Position Daily visited the ports last week, the place was very busy, unlike what was observed a couple of months ago.
Some of the clearing agents seen around the two ports said that the volume of vehicles coming into the country has greatly increased unlike what obtained a few months ago.
One of the agents who pleaded to be anonymous said that they have started feeling the effect of the coming festive season as activities pick up in the ports.
“This is how it used to be some years ago, we are very happy that activities are coming back to live. At least as you can see most agents here are busy doing their business, we are very happy”, he said.
Meanwhile a freight forwarder who is also a member of the newly-formed International Freight Forwarding Association (IFFA), Mr Shedrack Nwaosu, said that although the volume of importation has increased there are still challenges which are mostly caused by the inability of the terminal operators to provide the needed cargo handling equipment.
Mr. Nwaosu who spoke when the association paid a working visit to the Customs Area Controller, PTML Command said that, some terminal operators will book you to drop your container the next day, but it will take them time to do so.
“The turn-out is increasing, you know that this is Christmas period, people will like to bring in some of the vehicles they will like to use for the period. People that are selling are also bringing their vehicles. One of the major challenges we are having is the terminals they do not have the required equipment to properly carry out their jobs without issues. Some of them will book you and ask you to come in a few minutes time but when you get there, you will find out that they have not done anything, it will take you weeks before they will attend to you, causing unnecessary delay”, he said.
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