Thousands of Containers of Cars Rot Away at APMT- Investigation

Thousands of Containers of Cars Trapped at APMT- Investigation 

ZAINAB JUNAID

Just as research reveals that thousands of Containers of Cars and other Cargoes are currently trapped at APM Terminal, the National Coordinator, 100 Percent Compliance, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, (NAGAFF) Alh. Ibrahim Tanko has alleged that the abandoned Cargoes in the Port and Terminal are deliberately not being moved to government Warehouse.

Alhaji Tanko made the allegations on Thursday in Apapa saying the Cargoes are only occupying spaces in the ports yet the  Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) constantly complain of non availability of space. " Why are they not being moved, why are these terminals holding unto these Cargoes and complaining of lack of space, the overtime cargoes must be released to government Warehouse," Tanko said.

Meanwhile an earlier investigation revealed that APM Terminal has over 9000 overtime Containers and other Cargoes rotten away in the terminal, while they complain of lack of space but are comfortable storing overtime cargoes. "Why are they not willing to transfer them to government Warehouse, they give all manner of excuses when prompted to transfer these Cargoes, they complain about lack of barges and others," a source said. 

Continuing, "There are vested interests at APMT which makes them think they are larger than life itself, refusing to obey regulatory Authorities and rules of engagement. This can only happen in  Nigeria," the source lamented.

On the arbitrary increments of charges by terminal operators, Alhaji Tanko said the Shippers' Council brokered peace between Freight Forwarders and Terminal Operators, which led to a reduction of charges from 600 percent increment down to 400 percent.

He explained that from all indications, it was a remarkable achievement. "Even though we didn't get all we wanted but we got a 400 percent, a reduction from the 600 percent which was almost forced down our throats, half bread is better than nothing; 400 percent, 3-5 days waiver and the container must be there before the 5 days starts counting. We also were able to extract from them that the debit Note is reversible and for those who paid before this reduction, they must be re-funded."

However, Tanko noted he has not confirmed if Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria(STOAN) has started implementing the new charges as at Wednesday, " if we notice that they are not implementing, we shall take our protest terminal by terminal to ensure that we get it done."

"Though some Freight Forwarders do not agree to this reduction, as they feel it is not enough but I will appeal to all of them to give peace a chance and thrust the leaders to ensure that their interests are protected. I want to appeal to some of our members who feel we didn't get it right to understand that for 11years, the Terminal Operators have not increased these changes, things have changed, the cost of doing business has gone up, forex, the exchange rate is killing everyone, therefore I think there is need for some increment to also help cushion the effect of these changes," Tanko stated.

Couple with the afore mentioned is the issue of demurrage which is stifling our businesses, "that is why we appealed for a 5 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 part on the back, thank you is not too much, they should understand with us," he pleaded.

On whether the recent appointment of a new Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer for the Nigerian Shippers'Council will affect the negotiation, Tanko said," the ES lost his job yesterday and a new one appointed in his place. Well it is "Soldier go, Soldier come" and you know what they say, barracks remain. It is a continuous process, so long as governance is concerned, it is Shippers'Council and no matter who sits there, it will be implemented, so long as he's a Nigerian with the interest of Nigerians. I believe he was brought in to assuage the situation and not to aggravate it," He enthused.