Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has expressed concern over the substantial number of overtime cargoes abandoned at the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC), Apapa, and Tin Can Island Port in Lagos. He noted that the efficiency of the two ports is being threatened by the abandoned goods.
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The Minister stated that the substantial volume of these cargoes is troubling for the federal government due to its adverse impact on port operations and the nation’s economy. He directed the owners of these cargoes to clear them promptly before they are auctioned by the government.
He disclosed this during his inaugural visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Shipper’s Council (NSC) in Apapa, Lagos. Oyetola urged the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to collaborate with the ministry to expedite the clearance of the 6,000 identified containers at the port.
Sources close to the terminal operators estimated the value of the abandoned cargoes to be over N200 billion.
The Minister highlighted that some of these overtime cargoes have been at the port since 2011 and have become a nuisance to the ports, representing a loss to the economy.
Cargoes are classified as overtime when they remain at the ports for over 30 days without clearance and delivery.
Oyetola pointed out that some importers may have abandoned their goods at the port because they couldn’t afford to pay demurrage due to unnecessary delays in evacuating their consignments.
Investigations reveal that overtime cargoes occupy between 30 and 35 per cent of some of the terminals in Lagos.
Oyetola called for a concerted effort and proper measures by government agencies at the port to address this chronic issue.
He assured that his ministry would engage the leadership of Customs to expedite the clearance of the cargoes.
The Minister also expressed concern over the limited number of cargo scanners available for examinations, stating that the physical examination process conducted by security agencies does not promote trade facilitation and the revenue drive of the Federal Government.
He emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges and urged government agencies to work together to find solutions.
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