Port congestion: Amaechi, others inspect Tin Can

The Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, yesterday inspected the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos, alongside the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Usman, and the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Barr. Hassan Bello, in order to solve the lingering congestion at the port.

During the meeting, Amaechi reiterated the need for an urgent solution to curb trucks blocking access roads to the port towards achieving the clearing of goods on time with less human contact.

He said he would meet with all relevant agencies on January 19, 2021, to find a permanent solution to the challenge.

Speaking, the NPA Boss, Hadiza Usman, said by January, 2021, an electronic clearing system for cargoes would be introduced that would resolve the issue of gridlock at the port.

According to her, the agency is working with the Lagos State Government to create truck parks at designated areas.

She said, “We are planning to deploy an E-call-up system in January 2021. We will provide an electronic call-up system within the ports and designation truck parks. No more trucks parking randomly on the roads; we are going to have designated truck parks. When you are called upon you can enter the port.

“The electronic call-up system will be across all platforms on phones. You can monitor when the consignment arrives and when you have been assigned to pick up your  cargo. The E-call up will also remove human intervention and eliminate corrupt practices.”