Apapa Gridlock: Importers May Receive Cleared Goods In Ogun

Importers may be taking delivery of goods cleared at Lagos ports at Papalanto in Ogun State as the federal government plans to move goods by rail away from the ports to the facility in Ogun State.

The plan is hinged on the rehabilitation and reactivation of the rail lines at the quay side of the ports to Papalanto.

However, only goods shipped in through Apapa Port may be affected by the arrangement as Tin Csn Island Port which houses the RoRo Port, the main facility for handling vehicles and motorised goods is not linked by rail.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, disclosed this in Lagos, saying government has made provisions for the supply of 100 wagons and 60 locomotives to ease the movement of cargoes out of the ports.

Lamenting the traffic congestion suffocating business activities in Apapa area of Lagos, the minister said the new arrangement would reduce the logjam, adding that “the ministry is worried by the time being wasted in the ports and therefore is reviewing policies with a view to improving cargo transportation. With effective rail transportation of goods from the ports to the hinterland, less pressure will be on the roads and goods will get to destinations more secured and at less costs.”

According to him, the theme of the recent World Maritime Day celebration “Connecting Ships, Ports and people”,  is focusing on helping International Maritime Organisation (IMO) member states to develop and implement maritime strategies to invest in a joined-up inter agency approach that addresses a whole range of issues. This, he added, includes the facilitation of maritime transport, increasing efficiency, navigational safety, protection of the marine environment and maritime security.

He said IMO would contribute to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in response to the challenges facing the world at the moment. The challenges, he noted, include increasing world population, climate change, threats to the environment, unsustainable exploitation of natural resources and threats to food security.

 

 

 

 

PIX: Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi and Apapa Gridlock