Clearing agents and importers in the nation’s maritime industry have lamented the alarming state of affairs at the Five Star Logistics Terminal at Tin Can Port, citing pervasive security concerns and operational delays as major impediments to efficient trade.
Reports from industry insiders reveal a troubling pattern of vandalism and theft targeting vehicles upon their arrival at the terminal. Vital components and accessories of vehicles are stolen randomly.
Many importers reported daunting tasks of replacing stolen keys, side mirrors, batteries, tyres and many others parts, among others at their own expense.
Additionally, the clearing agents raised concerns regarding the terminal’s inefficient service delivery, leading to extended waiting periods of up to four weeks before vehicles can be released to their rightful owners.
Speaking in a chat with our correspondent, a clearing agent; Mr Adarabioyo Samuel expressed frustration over the lack of adequate security measures at the terminal, in contrast with the stringent protocols observed at other terminals such as PTML.
He lamented that the absence of robust monitoring and surveillance systems has left vehicles vulnerable to vandalism and theft, posing a grave risk to the investments of importers.
“It is not new that Five Star terminal is known for such, this has been their usual practice for years, you can’t put your mind at rest if you have a vehicle to clear at Five star because of the porous security at the terminal, it is pathetic” he said.
An importer, who simply identified himself as Peter, recounted how a vehicle purchased from Europe arrived at the Five Star Terminal only to find the key missing, necessitating an expensive replacement.
He said: “I cleared a vehicle from the terminal only for Five Star to tell me they can’t see the keys it’s so pathetic because I will incur an extra financial burden of N120,000 to replace the key, this is not the first time, we have seen vehicles that were brought to the terminal in good conditions leaving the terminal with no battery, engine side mirrors among others
“Such incidents not only incur financial losses but also erode trust in the terminal’s ability to safeguard imported goods.”
Furthermore, the clearing agents reported a series of additional prevalent issues at the Five Star terminal, which include delay in transfer of vehicles to off-dock terminals, extended delays in moving vehicles exacerbate logistical complications, delay in issuance of debit note, slow administrative processes, server network failure: technical disruptions that delay processing times among others
Checks by our correspondent revealed that the delays in service delivery have compounded the challenges faced by importers and clearing agents, resulting in logistical bottlenecks and mounting costs.
This is even as the protracted waiting times for vehicle release have ripple effects on supply chains and business operations, exacerbating the strain on stakeholders already grappling with the complexities of international trade.
Speaking with our correspondent Mr. Festus Ukwu, Secretary General of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), confirmed the deteriorating conditions at the Five Star Terminal, noting discrepancies in the handling of vehicle conditions upon arrival.
“In most cases, they won’t accept all these things because they will tell you that, that is the way the car came to their facilities,” Mr. Ukwu explained. He highlighted a lack of transparency and accountability, with terminal operators failing to provide car condition reports which was once a standard practice.
According to him, this omission makes it impossible to verify the state of vehicles upon entry into the terminal, suggesting that some damages might be occurring within the terminal grounds, possibly even by terminal staff.
He called for urgent action to address the shortcomings at the Five Star Terminal with demands for enhanced security measures and streamlined processes.
He however emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts between terminal operators, regulatory authorities, and industry players to restore confidence in the terminal’s operations and ensure the smooth flow of goods through the nation’s ports.
When contacted for his reaction over the alleged pilfering and other security issues at the terminal, the Head, planning and statistics of the terminal; Mr Chucks Okereafor simply told our correspondent that: “Let me enjoy my holiday break, I can’t say anything for now”.
