Wharf Rats: ANLCA Urges Five Star Logistics Terminal to Take Security Lessons from PTML Terminal

By DAPO OLAWUNI

Following the activities of wharf rats allegedly vandalising imported vehicles inside the Five Star Logistics Terminal at Tin Can Island Port, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) have stressed the need for the terminal operator to learn from PTML Terminal on how to properly protect its terminal from vandals.

This was part of the advise given to the Five Star Logistics terminal at a stakeholders meeting held on Wednesday at the instance of the Tin Can Port Manager of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Eng Ibrahim Yinusa.

PTML Terminal is the biggest Roll on Roll Off terminal in Nigeria.

Recall that clearing agents had last week protested and shutdown the Five Star Logistics Terminal for lack of security, vehicle vandalisation, collection of rent on vehicles not yet discharged from ships and all manners of delays.

While speaking with DAILY TREND NEWS at the end of the closed door meeting, Public Relations Officer of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tin Can Chapter, Mrs Onome Monije said PTML Terminal does not record the kind of vehicle pilfering and vandalisation agents suffer at Tin Can Port.

She said that there is a need for Five Star Logistics Terminal to take access control lessons from PTML Terminal where such activities of vandals is not prevalent

According to her report, the agenda of the stakeholders meeting was to solve operational challenges at the Five Star Logistics Terminal.

In attendance were; the Nigeria custom service Tin can command, represented by its Public Relations Officer, Mr Uche Ejesieme, ANLCA Tincan chairman Mr Ojo peter Akintoye, Nigerian shipper’s council, NPA’s management staffs, Five star Terminal General Manager, Mr Wolfgang schneider and his customer care manager, Mr Chuks Okereafor.

According to the agents, the operational challenges at the terminal includes;

1. Delay in transfer of vehicles to offdock terminals
2. Demurrage collections on vehicle yet to be discharged from ships
3. Delay in issuing of debit note,
4.vandalization/theft inside terminal
5.lack of security
6. Server network failure
7. Exit printing, among others.

The Five Star Terminal GM, Mr schneider appreciated the ANLCA Chairman, Ojo Akintoye, even as he admitted that though the terminal operators are not perfect, but the best way to resolve the issues is dialogue and negotiation.

He assured that the terminal is waving demurrage on all vehicles aboard the vessel; GLOVIS TELLA.

He assured that the terminal is presently upgrading their system for steamless operation and address delays.

On his part, the Customs representative, Uche Ejesieme said the service is putting into operation two scanners to facilitate trade and that more would come before the end of the year for efective clearance procedure without delay.

The NPA Port Manager, Ibrahim Yunisa urged the licensed customs agents to shun violence and locking of port gates in protest, saying that this would no longer be tolerated and that any person found will face the law.

He assured that the meeting will be inaugurated as a commitee for quartely stakeholders meeting for the Tin Can Island Port.