LAGOS – The Chairman of the Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Chief Kunle Folarin, on Friday urged the Federal Government to expand the Lagos ports to accommodate more cargoes.
Folarin, who made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, called for establishment of container berths and more stacking areas to accommodate the growing container trade.
He said that ports in the Lagos area – the Tin-Can Island port and the Apapa port – were overdue for expansion.
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“Over years, there had been constraints because land is inelastic and you cannot just add up plans when the need to be.
“We have gone from a position of 30 berths to 40 berths and up to 60 berthing positions. Nigerian ports are being allocated in the areas of container vessels, bulk carriers and also general cargo vessels.
“That immediately shows you that where there is expansion in a particular cargo characteristic, you must look for expansion to accommodate it.
“For example, container trade has grown up and we need to get more container berths, more stacking area in the port system.
General cargo configuration has also changed. As we industrialise, we need to have more steel import.
“Therefore, there is a need to expand that particular facility for that type of cargo.
“Nigeria is a major importer of bulk wet cargo, petroleum products and the like.
“So the issue of port expansion is clearly on the table.“
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He described the Lagos ports corridors as “congested”, adding that 3km from the port corridor should be free of commercial activities.
Folarin also advocated the introduction of Greenfield port development programme to service the industry. (NAN)
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