The Joint Council of Seaport Truck Operators (JCOST) has advised the federal government on the need to revive the railways system and the inland waterways as an alternative means of conveying cargoes in and out of the ports.
The association gave this advice recently in an event in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the General Secretary of JCOST, Mr Godwin Ikeji , said that the only visible intermodal co-ordination with Apapa port is road transport sector, based on this all the burden of transport co-ordination rests on the shoulders of vehicular operation.
According to him, “the only visible intermodal co-ordination with Apapa port is road transport sector. Due to this, all the burden of transport co-ordination rests on the shoulders of vehicular operations. This by its own nature has its setback now being saddled with the additional responsibility of loner intermodal coordination”.
He also canvassed for the need for proper monitoring of all the activities in the ports by the government agencies that are responsible for that, even as he emphasized on the need for the reduction of human contact in the ports.
“A truck with all its attendants and support carries a maximum of 30tons cargo or 2x20ft container. There is bound to be human traffic and contact pressure as more vehicles come and go with their attendant issues. Hence there is need to ensure that only those necessary at a point are allowed. In a place where one outfit is responsible for customs examination, delivery, returns of empties amongst other and no proper monitoring is in place, at some point, one section might have to suffer for the success of the other” he concluded.
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