The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) being the largest body of customs brokers and freight forwarders operating in Nigerian ports, borders and airports has draw the Federal Government attention to the need for ships on Lagos, Portharciurt and Onne anchorages ,waiting to berth, to be diverted to other ports.
It said that it observed that a lot of ships are presently waiting to berth in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Onne, thereby attracting trucks and other heavy duty vehicles to these areas.
A statement by ANLCA National President, Iju Tony Nwabunnike disclosed that the development has not only hampered free movement of cargo laden trucks, he said that it has impacted adversely on the ongoing port access road construction.
He said that In addition it has also caused loss of revenue to government.
According to him, the situation has capacity to create unemployment and slow national economic growth.
“We hereby call on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct that ships waiting on Lagos and Port harcourt anchorages be diverted within a period of three months to ports in Warri, Delta State and Calabar, Cross River State
“Nigeria bound cargoes are presently being diverted to Duala Port Cameroun due to the long waiting periods and cargo owners desire for quick turn around time for vessels.
“Shippers and cargo owners are very conscious about ships turn around time and will likely embrace opportunities for quicker discharge of cargoes.
“This diversion, in ANLCA’s opinion, will not only support the government’s Ease of Doing Business objective but will also reduce the number of trucks on some port access roads and allow speedy execution of the ongoing construction along the corridor.
“It will also help in averting avoidable congestion with adverse effects in Lagos and Portharcourt ports” he added.
He said that the action requires some urgency before another rainy season sets in.
“It will slowed down construction work and will lead to massive job losses if not approved and implemented.
“It will also make for even distribution of maritime trade among cities where ports are domiciled while opening the economy to fresh business opportunities” he said