Any moment from now, a ship load of maize which was reportedly imported by Obasanjo Holdings; one of the companies belonging to former President Olusegun Obasanjo is expected to arrive at the Lagos port complex.
The maize is reportedly imported from South America and is expected to arrive at the port between May 16 and 26, 2010, even as port officials are already scampering over themselves to secure unhindered berthing facilities upon the ships arrival.
Shipping Position Weekly confirmed that the maize will arrive aboard a ship called MPC Pachn. She ship is already listed as being expected a ENL Terminal in Apapa port, Lagos. Port officials gave the tonnage of the maize as 7,000 metric tonnes.
An official of ENL Terminal told our correspondent last week that the ship was already scheduled to arrive on May 16, but the date has been shifted owing to what a source explained as slight operational delays.
The 117metre – long ship is not a common caller at Nigerian ports, but sources hinted that the ship would be given expedited and post audit clearance upon arrival.
An official of ENL also confirmed to our correspondent last week that unusual consignment are meant for Obasanjo’s Otta farm from where they would be moved to a factory for production of industrial starch.
Officials of ENL who had thought that he ship would arrive last weekend had reserved berth in anticipation of the ship’s arrival, but the berth had to be reallocated.
A top official of ENL who spoke anonymously confirmed the expected arrival of MPC Pachn, and gave the consignee’s identity as Obasanjo Holdings, but refused to give further details except that the ship’s agents has already confirmed the delay.
The ship was listed as number 68 on the ports daily shipping position; a document that contains details of all incoming ships.
Importation of maize attracts five percent duty and does not attract Value Added Tax (VAT).
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