NPA partners terminal operators on export cargo desk, rail tracks

To facilitate the conveyance of export cargo and ensure greater efficiency in customer service, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says it is partnering terminal operators to establish export desk in all the terminals to facilitate agro-produce export. Addressing a forum on Agricultural Integrated Export Control Plan, NPA Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman, said the agency was also partnering the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to re-establish rail tracks in all the terminals in Lagos ports.    She reiterated that Lily Pond in Ijora and Ikorodu Lighter Terminal are designated for agro-produce export, and that the agency would work conscientiously to achieve government’s export agenda, according to a statement by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Abdullahi Goje. Usman noted that work had already commenced on the reconstruction of the Apapa port access roads, just as security around the axis has been improved, assuring stakeholders that the perennial traffic gridlock afflicting the area would soon be in the past. She added that NPA has begun 24-hour port operation to effectively reposition the agency in anticipation of an increase in the volume of export activities, while negotiations were ongoing to direct empty containers to holding bays at bonded terminals to reduce truck waiting time on the roads.