A large number of clearing agents in the ports have expressed dissatisfaction with how vehicles are being cleared out of the Coastal Bollore Africa logistics RORO terminal otherwise known as Standard Flour Mills [SFM], they complained that it takes more time to take delivery of their vehicles, compared to other vehicular terminals in the port.
They also called on the operators to address the issue as it affects the clearing of vehicles out of the terminal even as they said that since its inception, importers have not hidden their disdain for SFM’s modus operandi.
A large number of clearing agents in the ports have expressed dissatisfaction with how vehicles are being cleared out of the Coastal Bollore Africa logistics RORO terminal otherwise known as Standard Flour Mills [SFM], they complained that it takes more time to take delivery of their vehicles, compared to other vehicular terminals in the port.
They also called on the operators to address the issue as it affects the clearing of vehicles out of the terminal even as they said that since its inception, importers have not hidden their disdain for SFM’s modus operandi.
A cross section of agents who spoke with Shipping Position Daily in Lagos, last week stressed the need for the terminal operator to create an avenue for a one stop shop for vehicles to exit the terminal.
The terminal which, apart from vehicles, also handles bulk cargoes has been described as less than active when compared to other RORO terminals in the Lagos seaports.
A clearing agents who identified himself as Emeka Nicolas explained that after the arrival of a vessel, it takes four days to move around Apapa for the purpose of paper documentation before vehicles can exit the terminal.
Emeka said that the two RORO terminals at the Tin Can Island port are better organized when it comes to vehicle clearance, pointing out that there is the need for the operators of the terminal to buckle up in the area of service delivery to importers.
He noted that PTML and Five Star Logistics are better organised and better equipped in terms of facilities and infrastructures adding that a lot needs to put in place in order compete favourably with the other vehicular terminals.
The agent also condemned security personnel at the gate stressing that they lack good approach when dealing with agents who have consignments at the terminal.
In a similar reaction, Mr. Tony Uche also; a clearing agent said that importers are not comfortable with the way the terminal operator handles the issue of vehicle clearance from SFM, adding that they have improved in the area paper documentation.
He said that agents spend more time on the roads trying to process document for vehicles to leave the terminal, adding that some of agents are even unaware its location.
He called on the terminal operator to create more awareness programme for stakeholders to know more about their operations and the type of commodities they handle as many of the agents are yet to know about the SFM.
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