The Chief Commercial Officer of the Lekki Freeport Terminal, Mr. Kehinde Olubi-Neye has averred that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has given it a fresh mandate to effectively return cargo transshipment hub status back to Nigeria.
Explaining issues around the port on Wednesday in Lekki, Olubi-Neye, who recalled that Nigeria lost the status years back to neighbouring ports, assured the readiness of the LFT to reverse the case as soon as possible.
In maritime, Transshipment refers to the transportation of cargo and containers moved from one vessel to another while in transit to the final destination.
The transshipment hub status was lost to other West African countries due to inefficiency in the system and low draught level of the Nigerian ports.
He said currently, the port had the equipment and draft to achieve the feat.
According to him, “We had the opportunity of sitting with the Managing Director of NPA where he reiterated that the Lekki port should get this cargo and ensure that the transshipment status that was taken away from the country returns.
“NPA regulates prices and they are interested in ensuring this cargo comes back and we are sure they will provide us with the necessary support,” Olubi-Neye said.
He added that the company was conducting truck and driver registration to ensure seamless movement around the port vicinity.
“Our gates are automated and are linked with our vehicle booking system where truck drivers are required to book appointments in advance.
“It is also available on mobile phones and provides visibility on gates transactions.
“This also supports the initiative of the Lagos State Government with regard to the comprehensive call-up system for the Lagos Free Zone, Lekki Port, Dangote Free Zone, Dangote Refinery, and the Pinnacle Oil and Gas.
“We are in discussions with the Lagos State Ministry of Transport and other stakeholders on the deployment of the call-up system for the Lekki area and we have confident that the call-up system for trucks will address concerns of prospective port users will have over access to the port,” he said.
