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Gridlock in Nigeria’s Ports will Disappear Soon- Nigerian Shippers’ Council

Published

4 years ago

September 3, 2020

. ..As Council intensify plan To Digitilization of Shipping Process.

Joel Ajayi

The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Hassan Bello, has assured that the gridlock typically experienced around Nigeria’s port corridors will soon disappear, following rail deployement and evacuation from the port, as well as the digitalization of shipping, to ensure effectivenes and better service delivery.

He stated this on Thursday, during an interactive session with Journalists in Abuja saying, Nigeria is too big to rely on one mode of transportation.

Barrister Bello revealed that the arrangement is on top gear to make use of rail transport which will be more effective and financially beneficial for their operations in the country.

According to him, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has now encouraged rail deployment and also evacuation from the port and that will be a cheaper rate.

“Three days ago, we had a meeting with NRC, NPA, the terminals where we strengthened the issue of the Standard Operating Procedures for rail.

“The most important thing is to make sure ports are efficient because, if ports are efficient, then a lot of benefits will be accrued to the government and the entire Nigerians. Many sectors will say, I contributed a certain amount to the GDP and we want transport to also be contributing to the GDP.

“There is no doubt about it, transport drives the economy, and what are we talking about, it’s all about infrastructure, employment, content, and so on.”

Barr. Bello however, expressed that one of the challenges facing the Council in the country is over-dependency on-road transportation.

“Before now, we had some challenges with Nigerian ports, because of some distortions, our dependence on the road has caused us a lot and has made it impossible for transportation to make expected contributions to the economy in terms of revenue, employment, and infrastructure but this government is very serious, if not for COVID-19, we would not be having gridlock, we would have connected the rail to the port.

“No doubt, we have been having challenges, our dependence on the road has caused us a lot but this government is very serious now, the connection of the rail to the port is significant, we can’t rely on one means of transportation.

“And we have an alternative to road, so we will remove a lot of trucks from the road, which means the price of road transportation will crash very soon, in a time to come.

“Besides, FG has made a policy statement that all ports will be linked with rail, as I said, if not for COVID-19, the Chinese construction company would have linked not only Apapa but also Tincan Island with the rail, that will happen and the moment we have inland connectivity, the gridlock in Apapa will disappear.

He said the Council is seriously working with relevant stakeholders to put in place modalities for the safe return of normal operation within all ports in the country.

NSC boss, therefore, commended the media for their efforts in projecting the image of the Council, urging them not to relent in their effort towards the progress of the Council that will bring about growth and development to every Nigerians.

He said, Council’s Cardinal points will be the digitalization of the port; multi-modern approach to the port and multi-national co-operation, as well as 24 hours ports operation.

Speaking on the other achievement of the Council, Barr. Bello revealed that the Council is currently building a dry port in Ibadan, Kano dry port is ready and the Kano state government have earmarked money to construct good roads around the port, Kaduna is also doing well.

“As we speak, FCT has given NSC 104 hectares of land along Abaji-Lokoja that will generate more jobs to Nigerians when it materialise.”

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President Tinubu Decries Violence In Rivers, Directs Police To Provide Security To LGA Offices

Published

2 weeks ago

October 7, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

President Bola Tinubu has called on Governor Siminalayi Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law.

In response to recent tensions following last Saturday’s local government council election, the President expressed deep concern over reports of arson and explosions in the state.

He urged all political actors to de-escalate the situation and discourage their supporters from engaging in violence or destructive actions.

President Tinubu directed the police to restore and maintain peace, law, and order immediately.

While instructing law enforcement agencies to bring the situation under control, he emphasised the need to ensure the security of public institutions.

President Tinubu said government facilities built with public funds must be safeguarded from vandalism.

He stressed that self-help has no place in a democratic system, especially after 25 years of continuous democracy.

According to President Tinubu, the judiciary can settle all political disputes, and the outcome of this election should be no exception.

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