Ocean Ambassadors Foundation and APM Terminals in Apapa on Monday trained some students on multimodal cargo operations and logistics career opportunities during the Children’s Day Blue Talents Rail-to-Sea Programme.
Convener of the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, Ms Olaitan Williams, in Lagos, said the initiative was designed to help students understand cargo movement through rail, trucks and seaports.
She said that through the initiative, the student were encouraged to have interest in logistics and supply chain careers.
According to her, the foundation had earlier taken students to the Nigerian Railway Corporation headquarters to educate them on rail cargo movement.
“Today’s programme exposed students to how cargo is transferred from ports to trucks and rail systems.
“It is important for students to understand multimodal cargo operations so they can consider careers in logistics and supply chain management,” she said.
The foundation gets the upcoming generation interested in the maritime sector and to carve a niche at an early age.
It’s mission is to have a nation that will eradicate joblessness through the vast untapped opportunities in the sector.
Also, the Head of Commercials, APM Terminals, Mr Kayode Daniel, explained the cargo handling process from the port of origin to the destination country.
“Once the importer gathers the goods for shipment, the shipping company takes responsibility for transporting them to the country.
“Before arrival, the company raises Form M and issues a Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) to enable payment of customs duties and shipping charges,” he said.
Daniel added that cargo movement from China to Nigeria takes approximately 30 days, while demurrage charges begin five days after cargo discharge at the terminal.
The programme also featured practical sessions on cargo processing, port operations and intermodal transportation systems aimed at broadening students’ understanding of Nigeria’s maritime and logistics value chain.
