CONTAINER OPERATIONS: Port Harcourt Stakeholders Moves Against PTOL

As the much-expected commencement of container operations by a terminal operator at the Port Harcourt Ports (PTOL), continue to be a mirage, concerned stakeholders have taken a critical view against the Terminal Operator, urging Federal Government to withdraw their operating license, for alleged inefficiency. The stakeholders which included freight forwarders and some shipping firms accused the terminal operators of reneging on its promise to commence handling of containerised cargoes about two years after the promise was given. One of the stakeholders who pleaded anonymity said it is regrettable that PTOL has not shown adequate commitment to container operations in Port Harcourt Ports. He said that PTOL has shown signs of weakness, because all the relevant infrastructural upgrading which are supposed to attract importers to use Port Harcourt ports are yet to be put in place. Another clearing agent who maintains office at Harbour Road in Port Harcourt, and who identified himself simply as “John”, blamed the woes of clearing agents attached to Port Harcourt ports, on alleged inefficiency and ‘snail–speed’ of PTOL in delivering on their promises of commencing on container operations. Mr. John noted that it is worrisome that the Managing Director, Mrs. Lizzy Obvude and her team have been deceiving people, by making empty promises on early take off on the container operations. He said that in business, sincerity pays, noting that she should be bold enough to tell Nigerians the whole truth, on why the container operations is yet to commence. Our correspondent however confirmed that part of the challenges facing the PTOL may be paucity of fund. A source in the office of the Managing Director told our correspondent that the issues raised also require provision of facilitate for safety of cargo at the Port Harcourt ports by the Terminal Operator and that these are yet to be addressed. One of the issues is dilapidated infrastructure at the container parking lot, and that of porous security within the ports. Another freight forwarder also said: “Look at the high level of infrastructural development which Intels has brought to Onne Ports and which has made it attractive to importers. Let PTOL stop playing to the gallery, let them declare their true strength to the Federal Government so as to ascertain whether their operating license will be withdrawn or not”. Several efforts to reach the management of PTOL for reaction to the stakeholders’ allegations were unsuccessful