Overtime Cargoes: Over 9000 containers of vehicles, others rotting away at APMT

Overtime Cargoes: Over 9000 containers of vehicles, others rotting away at APMT

Indications have emerged that over 9000 containers of cars and other items have been abandoned to rot at the APM Terminal, while the government warehouse meant to receive this category of cargo is almost empty.
Speaking on the development, the National Coordinator, 100 Percent Compliance Committee of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFFf), Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko in Apapa, alleged that there are so many overtime cargoes at the port and terminals deliberately not being moved to government warehouses, taking up spaces in the ports, while the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been complaining of a lack of space.

“Why are they not being moved? Why are these terminals holding onto these cargoes and complaining of lack of space? The overtime cargoes must be released to the government warehouse,” Tanko said.
Meanwhile, a source who pleaded anonymity confirmed that the APMT alone is keeping over 9000 overtime containers of cars and other goods in the terminal, while they complain of a lack of space but are comfortable storing overtime cargo.

“Why are they not willing to transfer them to the government warehouse, but rather prefer to give all manner of excuses when prompted to transfer these cargoes and complain about a lack of barges and others?” the source said.
Continuing, the source alleged that there were vested interests at APMT, which makes them think they are larger than life, refusing to obey regulatory authorities and rules of engagement. This can only happen in Nigeria,” he lamented.
Furthermore, Tanko, who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), disclosed that the NSC brokered peace between freight forwarders and terminal operators, which led to a reduction of charges from a 600 percent increment to 400 percent.
“From all indications, it was a remarkable achievement. Even though we didn’t get all we wanted, we got a 400 percent reduction from the 600 percent, which was almost forced down our throats. Half-bread is better than nothing.

“Anyhow one looks at it, 400 percent and three to five days waiver, and the container must be there before the five days start counting. We were also able to extract from them that the debit note is reversible, and those who paid before the reduction should be refunded,” he said.
However, Tanko said that he has not confirmed if STOAN has started implementing the said reduction as of Wednesday, adding: “If we notice that they are not implementing the 400 percent, we shall take our protest to all the terminals to ensure that we get it done.”
Also, Tanko noted that some freight forwarders do not agree with the reduction, as they feel it is not enough, but he appealed to them to give peace a chance and trust the leaders to ensure that their interests are protected.

“I do appeal to some of our members who feel we didn’t get it right to understand that for 11 years, the terminal operators have not increased these changes; things have changed; the cost of doing business has gone up; and the foreign exchange (Forex) rate is killing everyone. Therefore, I think there is a need for some increment to also help cushion the effect of these changes,” Tanko stated.
He added that the issue of demurrage is stifling businesses, saying, “That is why we appealed for a five-day window; let’s start from somewhere as negotiations progress.

“We did this in the best interest of all; everyone has the right to say what they want, but someone has to push it through. It took us to do this, and I know how much effort we put in, and no matter what, we deserve a pat on the back. Thank you is not too much; they should understand us.”
On whether the sack of Barrister Emmanuel Jime and the announcement of a new Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer for the Nigeria Shippers Council will negatively affect the negotiations, Tanko said: “Jime has been removed and a new Executive Secretary has been appointed in his place. Well, as they always say, it is ‘Soldier Go, Soldier Come, but the barracks must remain.

“It is a continuous process; so long as governance is concerned, it will still remain the Shippers Council, and no matter who sits there, it will be implemented, so long as he’s a Nigerian who will work for the interests of Nigerians. I believe he was brought in to assuage the situation and not to aggravate it.”