Unhappy with the lull in cargoes import and government’s policy somersaults, ENL Consortium, operators of terminal C and D of the Lagos Port Complex, has indicated readiness to begin full time container handling operations.
While hosting some government officials on a working visit recently, the Assistant General Manager, ENL Consortium, Mr. Abiodun Marcus, noted that the facility was concessioned as a multiple purpose terminal, thus the need to begin Twenty-foot Equivalent Units operations.
Marcus fingered the flip flop in government policies as another constraint to its operations, noting that the ban on rice, fertiliser, sugar and other commodities crashed its revenue generation.
He affirmed that at the beginning of the concession agreement, ENL handled a total of 1,500 metric tonnes of cargo, but later rose to 4,000 MT within two years of operations.
According to him, the traffic situation in Apapa has not encouraged shipping and port businesses, maintaining that with the Nigerian Ports Process Manual Implementation Committee in place, the tendency for such issues would be resolved in a short period.
He also explained that despite the numerous challenges faced by the concessionaire, taxes and levies were paid as and when due to the Federal Government from inception of the port concession, adding that workers’ salaries were also settled as and when due.
The AGM also frowned at delays in the importation of spare parts for the maintenance and replacement of equipment at the terminal, which in turn affected operations due to some policies established by Central Bank of Nigeria.
ENL terminal is known for bulk and general cargoes importation.
