The nation’s shipping ecosystem is in a dilemma of some sorts no thanks to the dearth of infrastructure in the sector.
Making this disclosure last Thursday was the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Barrister Pius Akutah.
He spoke in Lagos, at a one-day stakeholders summit tagged “Limitations to Rail Transportation of Cargo in Nigeria” organised by the Council in collaboration with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
“The lack of a functional rail system for evacuation of cargo from the seaports to various distribution centres to the hinterland has become a problem in the shipping industry and ease of doing business in Nigeria. This has resulted in congestion at the seaports, delay in off-loading of vessels and turnaround time, payment of demurrage, increased number of trucks and tankers on the road, traffic gridlock and high cost of doing business.
“It is therefore hoped that at the end of this programme, challenges impinging the transportation of cargoes to the hinterland (IDPs) would be identified and solutions proffered,” he said.
The two critical agencies thereafter signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to ensure effective movement of cargoes by rail, from the nation’s Ports to the Inland Dry Ports scattered around the country.
Akutah also disclosed that the Council’s initiative through closed Inter Agency collaboration, particularly with the NRC is with a view to ensuring: Enhanced intermodal connections and connectivity, fast-track delivery of cargoes to and from Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Nigeria, cheaper and cost-effective means of transportation of goods to the hinterland and specifically, the IDPs located at the hinterlands; facilitation of the development of critical transport infrastructure in the hinterland of Nigeria, etc.
On his part, the Managing Director of the NRC, Engr Fidet Okhiria described the MoU as significant, even as he warned that seaport terminal operators must provide a conducive environment for Nigerians, importers, and exporters to ensure that goods move cheaply.
