Further to the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari in his nationwide address of 29th March, 2020 in which he stated that the ports and terminals remain operational, the Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council led by the Executive Secretary/CEO, Mr. Hassan Bello paid a visit to Five-Star Logistics (FSL) on Wednesday.
In his opening statement, the Executive Secretary pointed out that, Nigeria, like other countries, cannot afford to close down ports; this is to allow cargo flow, particularly pharmaceutical products, industrial raw materials and hospital equipment amongst others.
The ES/CEO commended the terminal for the compliance measures put in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19. He noted the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the use of everyone on the premises as the terminal remained operational during the lockdown. He stated that, Nigerian Shippers’ Council is working tirelessly to ensure that port operations and seamless movement of cargo delivery is achieved.
The Five Star Logistics Management represented by the General Manager, Mr. Wolfgang Schneider, informed the Shippers’ Council management that only essential staff come to work. He further stated that, terminal has over 5,000 to 6,000 vehicles ready for delivery during the Easter Public holiday. He highlighted various challenges most important of which he said is limited space for storage.
He also appealed to NSC to intervene in the matter of barge operations by ensuring that they continue.
As a result of the visit, the ES contacted the Nigerian Customs Service, Terminal Operators, CRFFN and the Presidential Task Team on restoration of order on Apapa roads to collaborate over the Easter weekend to enable freight forwarders take delivery of cargo.
What this means is that the terminals will be open to any freight forwarder who has completed his/her paperwork to remove their cargoes from the ports as the terminals and officers of the Nigerian Customs Service will be on ground working to facilitate movement of cargoes out of the ports from April 10 to April 13.
This is to reduce congestion on the seaside and the terminals.
Freight forwarders are therefore encouraged to take advantage of this opening.
Photo: (L-R) Barr. Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Mr. Wolfgang Schneider, General Manager, Five Star Logistics during the visit on Wednesday.
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