The wearisome gridlock on the Tin Can Island and Apapa ports link roads in Lagos, two of the nation’s premier seaports, appears to be getting worse everyday.
The persistent gridlock that has been unswallowable bone in the throat of port users continues to defile every basic solutions throw at it, from Navy era to Presidential taskforce headed by Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo, then, Lagos State Taskforce and the recent electronic call-up system introduced by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), which has practically collapsed.
The gridlock, with its vice-like grip, has caged all the efforts due to corruption. The gridlock, which defiled all basic solutions, has also cost the economy about N18 trillion annually, according to economists and concerned stakeholders.
The perennial gridlock has taken a huge toll on businesses along the two nation’s seaports as terminal operators, manufactures and importers lost several man-hours and investments.
Presently, hundreds of containers are stuck in the terminals, while vessels are unreasonably delayed on the waters due to limited stacking space.
The situation contributes significantly to Nigeria’s galloping inflation, as consumers now have to pay more for goods.
However, the situation has continued to threaten importers and exporters’ businesses with no relief in sight.
Meanwhile, demurrage is accumulating and the cost of haulage is also skyrocketing rapidly.
Punch
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