By Joshua Yousouph
The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has identified the newly-licensed Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal as a critical facility capable of supporting efforts to decongest Nigeria’s seaports and improve cargo clearance efficiency.
This position emerged on Thursday during an on-the-spot assessment of the terminal in Lagos by NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Team, as part of its nationwide inspection of Customs-bonded warehouses and terminals.
Speaking after the inspection, NAGAFF Founder, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, described the facility as one of the most equipped bonded terminals the association has visited, noting that its infrastructure, cargo handling equipment and technology-driven operations make it suitable for modern logistics demands.
According to him, bonded terminals remain a vital intervention mechanism designed to complement operations at the nation’s seaports by facilitating the swift transfer and clearance of cargoes.
“Ports are not storage facilities; they are transit points. Cargo should come in and move out immediately. What we have seen here shows that the operators are ready for business and capable of supporting seamless cargo movement,” Aniebonam said.
He noted that the terminal’s investment in automation, surveillance systems, cargo tracking technology and modern handling equipment would significantly reduce operational risks often associated with cargo transfers from the ports.
Aniebonam further urged freight forwarders and importers to take advantage of the facility, stressing that many of the complaints received from operators stem from inadequate infrastructure and poor cargo management practices at some terminals.
“We have seen terminals where containers are exposed to flooding and other risks. Here, the infrastructure is solid, the equipment is available and security measures have been put in place. Stakeholders should utilize facilities like this,” he stated.
The inspection forms part of NAGAFF’s broader initiative to evaluate the operational standards of bonded terminals across the country following growing concerns over inefficiencies and bottlenecks affecting cargo clearance processes.
Head of NAGAFF’s Trade Advocacy Committee, Dr. Increase Uche, said the association embarked on the exercise after receiving numerous complaints from freight forwarders regarding delays, poor service delivery and inadequate facilities at some bonded terminals.
He explained that the objective of the assessment was to determine the readiness of operators by evaluating their infrastructure, equipment, examination bays, stacking capacity, office facilities and manpower.
“What we have seen here is convincing. The terminal has the equipment, the operational structures and the space required for efficient cargo handling. We are satisfied with the level of investment we have seen on ground,” Uche said.
He disclosed that the association would prepare a comprehensive report on its findings and make recommendations aimed at improving the performance of bonded terminals nationwide.
Beyond its current operations, Uche said Rolling Gazing Bonded Terminal possesses the potential to evolve into a major logistics hub due to its strategic location, proximity to industrial clusters and possible integration with barge operations.
“With the facilities available here, this terminal should not be limited to conventional bonded terminal operations alone. It has the potential to become an integrated logistics hub serving industries and cargo owners within and outside Lagos,” he said.
Earlier, the terminal’s Operational Manager, Stanley Enoma, assured stakeholders that the facility was fully prepared to handle cargo operations.
He said the terminal is equipped with a Terminal Operating System (TOS), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) platform, logistics support systems, forklifts, surveillance cameras and other cargo handling equipment required for efficient operations.
According to Enoma, the facility currently has the capacity to accommodate about 5,000 containers upon completion of ongoing expansion works and remains committed to delivering world-class services to freight forwarders and cargo owners.
The visit marks the first in a series of inspections planned by NAGAFF as the association intensifies efforts to promote efficiency, trade facilitation and improved service delivery within Nigeria’s maritime logistics sector.
