Transport Minister reiterates need to clear roads leading to Ports

By Shiktra Shalangwa, Abuja

The Nigerian Minister of Transportation,  Mr Rotimi Amaechi, has reiterated the need for an urgent solution to curb trucks blocking access roads to the ports towards achieving the clearing of goods on time with less human contact.

The Minister made this known while inspecting the Tin Can Island alongside the Managing Director of Nigerian Port Authority,  Hadiza Usman and Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers Council, Hassan Bello, adding that this will solve the lingering congestion at the port.

Meeting with Relevant Agencies
Mr Amaechi however, said he would meet with all relevant agencies on January 19 to find a permanent solution to the challenges.

The Nigerian Port Authority, NPA Boss, Hadiza Usman said that by January 2021,  an electronic clearing system for cargoes would be introduced that would resolve the issue of  gridlock at the Port.

According to her, the agency is working with Lagos State government to create truck parks at designated areas.

Designated Truck Park
She said that the Lagos State government plans to give a designated truck park at Orile where trucks will park until their cargo is cleared electronically before they can proceed into the port.

“We are planning to deploy an E-call-up system in January 2021. We will provide an electronic call-up system within the Ports and designation truck parks. No more trucks parking randomly on the road, we are going to have a designated trucks park; when you are called upon you can enter the Port.

“The electronic call-up system will be across all platforms on phones. You can monitor when the consignment arrives and when you have been assigned to pickup  your  cargo. The E-call up will also remove human intervention and eliminate corrupt practices,” she explained.

She said that the only thing that would be needed for clearing is the barcode that would be scanned at the entrance of the port to enable them enter the port.

However,  Nigerian Shippers Council Boss, Hassan Bello said that everyday the council have tried to proffer temporary solution to the gridlock at the Port.

He said that with the festive period a lot of goods were expected to be imported into the country which calls for urgent actions.

Confidence Okwuchi