The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has concluded arrangement for reduced cargo clearing cost and fast-track treatment of all Kaduna Dry Port Cargoes moving from Apapa Port in Lagos.
Executive Secretary of the Council, Hassan Bello, said that he has concluded series of meetings with the country’s largest container port operator, APM Terminals, on the issue.
Bello added that APMT has also agreed to reduce its charges on Kaduna Dry Port-bound containers in addition to giving them priority of speed.
Speaking recently with the Journal Maritime magazine, Bello said, “Before train movement stopped, we did about three or four times, later the tracks had problems and I think that is almost fixed.
As soon as this is done, we will resume carriage of Kaduna bound cargoes by rail.
“We are working to see that it is fast-tracked. We had meetings with APMT on this and they waived the cost of loading.
“We factor in the various stages of cargo movements from the vessel to the quay and to the stacking area before loading them on the trains. This is about four stages.
“APMT has agreed to waive some of the charges for Kaduna Dry Port cargoes and make it fast by giving them priority.
“Also remember that when the train goes, it also bring export and empty containers back to Lagos. So it is a two way journey with advantages.
“We have to build capacity to make this work. Nigeria Railway Corporation must have dedicated coaches and wagons only for the Kaduna port. We are targeting 4 trips a week.
“We are studying the frequency to see the number of containers on the ground. If not for the Covid19 Pandemic, we would have gone far with this. We hope to resume on this when things come back to normal.
“NSC recently facilitated a meeting between APMT and NRC to resume movement of Cargoes by rail.
“A recent press statement from NSC indicated that both parties pledged to abide with the Standard Operating Procedure already established with regards to evacuation of containers from the port in Lagos.’’