The Ministerial task force that was recently inaugurated by the Minister of transport, Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman has uncovered large – scale irregularities; especially collection of unauthorized charges in all the terminals that it has so far visited.
The seven-member task force which has Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa as its chairman said it that has so far inspected Port and Cargo Terminal, PTML, Tin Can Island Container Terminal as well as Five Star Logistics (all at Tin Can Island port) and APMT, ENL Consortium at the Lagos Port Complex and that the same story of collection of illegal charges and unwholesome practices all of which make cargo delivery and clearance costs to be exorbitant permeates all the terminals.
The Task Force is expected to conclude its inspection this week with visits to Ikorodu Lighter Terminal and Lillypond Container Terminal.
Members of the committee include: executive director, marine and operations, NPA, Ms Aina Egharevba, Techical Adviser to the minister of transport, Dr Saleh Ibrahim, National president, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, his counterparts at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, Mr Eugene Nweke and that of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Chief Festus Ejiofor. The port manager, Lagos Port Complex, Mr Joshua Ashanga is also a member.
Confirming the discoveries, Mrs Ezenwa disclosed that the team which also has freight forwarders as members has met with chief executives and relevant management personnel at these terminals and has also met with the Customs Areas Controller at both Apapa and Tin Can Island ports and that all of them have been cooperating with the task force.
She reassured that the essence of the task force which the minister constituted on May 24, 2010 is to ensure that all irregularities that are impeding effective and competitive port operations are removed and that Nigerian shippers are made to enjoy value for their money and that, providers of port services pay attention efficiency and best practices.
According to her, the few days within which the group has embarked on an on-the-spot assessment of port operations have revealed that a lot still need to be done, despite having concessioned the ports since 2006.
Speaking more specifically on its findings with respect to charges at the various terminals, the chairman disclosed that “based on our findings and our conviction, we have directed that the managements of those terminals immediately revert to the status quo”, adding that the task force has also directed the terminal operators to provide a “conducive work environment be provided for all clients using the terminals”.
She also disclosed that the task force has directed that “all parties to the concession agreements should ensure compliance to the provisions of the agreements by fulfilling their obligations especially regarding provision of required operational equipment and infrastructures in their concessioned areas”.
Another issue which caught the attention of the team is the high presence of persons at the various terminals as well as other key areas within the ports.
Reacting to this, Mrs. Ezenwa stated that the Task Force “has equally confirmed that Lagos ports are yet to be free from infiltration by large numbers of unauthorized person were found loitering at the terminals, consequently we have directed that the management of concerned terminals and the Nigerian Ports Authority should ensure proper scrutiny of person accessing the ports”.
According to her, the purpose of the Taskforce is to also address issues of critical challenges of port operations, efficiency and complaints of excessive charges.
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