Shippers Council Charges APM Terminal To Exempt Export Cargoes From Paying Storage Charges

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Nigerian Shippers Council has charged the biggest terminal operator in Nigeria; APM Terminals to exempt export cargoes from paying storage charges at the terminal, even as it says that all export containers should be given priority and accelerated through the terminals.

Executive Secretary of the Council, Barr Hassan Bello gave the charge when he received Country Manager of APM terminals Mr. Klaus Laursen to Nigerian Shippers’ Council on a courtesy visit.

In a statement signed by the council’s head of public relations, Mrs Rakiya Zubairu, Barr Bello equally expressed concerns at the rising congestion inside the APM Terminals .

Welcoming Mr. Laursen to Nigeria, the ES commended APMT for its acquisition of new cargo handling equipment. Mr. Bello however expressed concern about the congestion at the terminals.

He told Mr. Laursen that current economic realities dictate that exports are priority and must be treated as such.

He also informed the APMT Country Manager of Council’s resolve to ensure that all terminals’ processes are fully automated and integrated with other port service providers’ and user’s before the year runs out.

Hassan Bello commended APMT’s collaboration with Nigerian Railway Corporation and barge operators in cargo delivery and evacuation.

Responding, Mr. Laursen said congestion at the terminal is due to freightforwarders not coming to clear their containers. This he said has contributed in no small way to the back up of ships on Nigeria’s territorial waters.

On a somewhat bright note, he said APMT has been able to reduce yard occupancy from 98% to 77%.

On automation, Mr. Laursen said APMT plans to optimize haulage at its terminal by implementing an electronic platform for truck management. Discussions on this are ongoing with Nigerian Ports Authority.

He added that the terminal issues, Terminal Delivery Orders online, payments, invoicing and a range of other services are also online so Freightforwarders don’t need to be physically present at their terminal.

With regard to export cargo, Laursen said they need to have all their documentation including customs clearance before accessing the terminal.

He suggested that the Nigeria Railway Corporation advertise its services in order to increase patronage.

With regard to export cargo, Laursen said they need to have all their documentation including customs clearance before accessing the terminal.

He suggested that the Nigeria Railway Corporation advertise its services in order to increase patronage.