Imported N800m Consignment Trapped At Port

Four weeks after paying all statutory revenues including about N226 million as duty on its N800 million worth of imported iron rods, lack of cargo handling equipment have delayed release of cargo to its owners,  B/ Bird Capital.

The consignments which were reportedly imported with loan facilities have been lying at the terminals of Josephdam Terminals in Tin Can, Lagos, despite the fact that all relevant clearing documents have been received.

An official of the company, Mr. Emmanuel Elemamba, lampooned the terminal operator and alleged that service at the terminal is one of the worst amongst all the private terminal operators.

According to Elemamba, not only are most of the company’s forklifts not working, the only two that are available often run out of diesel and owners of consignments are made to buy so as to take delivery of their goods.

He further alleged that the only two operational forklifts are rotated at 15 minutes interval at the terminal to service the various consignees waiting to take delivery of their goods. He equally raised alarm that the delay witnessed at the terminal may be a deliberate ploy by Josephdam to collect extra rent from consignees.

Giving an insight into what the componay is losing because of the delay, Elemamba disclosed that it is presently losing millions of naira in rents and other levies paid for the delay.

This claim was buttressed by Mr Oluwole Ayodele Onasanya, Managing Director of Lateju Ventures Limited, agents to B/Bird Capital. Onasanya told journalists that the service delivery at the terminal is “epileptic” and that they do “not show any sign of commitment to service delivery.”

However, Traffic Manager of Josephdam terminal, Mr. Oluseye Oshunpidan accused clearing agents of frequent and un necessary complaints. 

He said contrary to accusation that they do not have cargo handling equipment, the company has 20 which is far above what they are expected to have according to the concession agreement. The traffic manager explained that though there are about eight which have punctured tyres because of the kind of consignments they are lifting, about 12 are still operational.

Shipping Position Weekly however sighted only four forklifts loading consignments while 11 others were parked awaiting repairs.