Operational activities at the AP.Mollier terminal at the Lagos Port Complex was grounded on Tuesday following the downpour which caused the terminal to be flooded, creating difficulties for consignees to take delivery of their cargoes.
Shipping Position Daily gathered that containers were unable to go through physical examination as a result of the flooded terminal.
Sources disclosed to our correspondent yesterday that containers were not opened for examination because the terminal was reportedly heavily flooded as a result of the rain.
Operational activities at the AP.Mollier terminal at the Lagos Port Complex was grounded on Tuesday following the downpour which caused the terminal to be flooded, creating difficulties for consignees to take delivery of their cargoes.
Shipping Position Daily gathered that containers were unable to go through physical examination as a result of the flooded terminal.
Sources disclosed to our correspondent yesterday that containers were not opened for examination because the terminal was reportedly heavily flooded as a result of the rain.
"The truth is that the last rain disturbed the Customs from opening containers for physical examination because there was flood everywhere. Though they are working on it as at today (Wednesday) but the truth is that the terminal is in bad shape and rain made it worst", a clearing agents told our correspondent yesterday.
The source who is also a member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) also called on the terminal operator to declare Tuesday as charges- free for agents because of the flood that affected business activities at the terminal.
In a similar reaction,Mr. David Pius a freight forwarder blamed the government over the concession agreement with terminal operators.
Pius a former member of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers Exporters Coalition said that it is a normal occurrence, but added that there is the need to prevent the flood by the concessionaire by putting in place the right facilities.
According to him, there is no way a container can be examined under the heavy rain, as water might destroy the goods inside the container.
He added that APM Terminal may be liable to damages.”You cannot open container when there is a flood at examination base because when you open container and water destroys the goods, APMT will be liable to damages. You can’t open container on the floor when there is a flood in the terminal”, he stressed.
"We expect APMT management to exempt that day because the flood disturbed operations of freight forwarders and importers"
We expect them to give us a charge- free day because it is not our making ".
He however also noted that the terminal operator will be adamant on the request to exempt Tuesday from their charges.
Pius stressed that APMT failed to put the right infrastructure in place adding that the government has failed in the terms of agreement with concessionaires.
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