Esther Oritse
Lagos — Ports in Lagos are currently experiencing congestion, as container trucks and other articulated vehicles have been barred from entry to allow for the clearance of cargo backlogs.
In a notice to stakeholders issued by the management of Truck Transit Parks, operators of the electronic call system, said that there is a temporary hold on the release of trucks from pre-gates sue to congestion.
Already, the pre-gates are also getting congested due to non-admission of trucks into the ports to pick up cargoes.
Part of the notice reads: “Please be informed that there is a temporary hold on the release of trucks from Lagos Port Complex, LPC, Pre-gates due to congestion.
“The situation is being actively monitored, and the hold will be relaxed as soon as conditions improve. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation and will produce timely updates.
Reacting to the development, Me. Sani Mohammed warned that steps must be taken streamline vessels arrival before truck holding bays run out of space.
He said:”Something should be done urgently for vessels arrival by the authorities before empty container holding bays start running out of space to prevent conversion of trucks to holding bays, logistics stagnation, road blockade and Ports congestion.”
Similarly, Mr. Sotomchukwu Awagu, a trucker criticized APMT’s truck scheduling operations, stating that they are steadily undermining the haulage business in Nigeria.
Awagu also stated that Apapa has transformed into a zone where truck drivers spend more time praying than driving and where hopes for efficient logistics are slowly being extinguished.
He said: “Your service disruption has cost businesses millions in broken contracts, delayed cargoes, and loss of clients. Nigeria’s struggling economy needs a lifeline, not another corporate chokehold from a glorified parking lot that calls itself a terminal.
“Your new “strategy” of closing your gates to all shipping line containers without notice or explanation has produced effects so stunning, we could make a documentary titled “How to Ruin a Supply Chain in 3 Easy Steps” – starring APMT, with guest appearances by *LASTMA and the ever-hungry Port Task Force.
“These trucks, which were duly pre-gated and enroute to Lagos Port Complex, are now stranded like lost sheep along the port corridor. This isn’t “traffic,” this is container purgatory.
“Once stranded, these trucks are pounced on by the joint forces of LASTMA, Port Task Force, and other uniformed scavengers, who extract ‘release fees’ with more passion than the tax office. I dare say, armed robbery has become uniformed and official.”
