LAGOS – The Chairman, Ports Consultative Council (PCC), Chief Kunle Folarin, on Wednesday advocated a 20-year master plan for the growth and expansion of the Apapa Port.
Folarin told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that it was necessary for the Nigerian Ports [pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]Authority to draw up the master plan if the port was to cope with the challenge of congestion.
According to him, the master plan for China Port for 2055 is already in place.
“ You have built up the port corridor and the traffic attracted by the built-up facilities is the problem causing the bulk of the gridlock there.
“All the side to the left where you have the tank farms, the bonded warehouse, the commercial buildings and the spare parts shops should not be.
“They should be farther inland. The exchange traffic bridges should go in for at least one kilometre before you can see any building on that access.
“If you want to improve it, clear the whole buildings there; that is the only solution.
“We must look for a solution that does not disrupt the lifestyle of people there.
“ If not checked, the Apapa Port will be choked up and we should be thinking of a 20-year master plan,’’ he said.
He also said the 35 per cent surcharge on importation of used vehicles would develop the nation’s automobile capacity.
Folarin described the measure as an import substitution policy meant to encourage manufacturing.
“The policy is directed at raising revenue for government through the payment of customs duty.
“It is directly an import substitution policy that discourages importation and encourages the manufacturing of any specified product that is affected.
“The 35 per cent increase is a big hike that is going to increase the consumer cost of such goods.
“It could on the long run be a very good opportunity for Nigeria to develop her automobile capability if the aim is to discourage import,’’ he said. (NAN)