Port congestion hampering Nigeria’s growth, says NESG

By Philip Clement

The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has said the perennial problem of congestion at the Apapa Port in Lagos is hampering the country’s quest to support import and export activities.

The group urged the Federal Government to intensify reforms at the nation’s ports to tackle the issue of congestion to boost economic activities.

NESG made their position known in a 15-point statement on the state of the nation’s economy.

There have been issues of alleged corruption and extortion by government and security officials assigned to control the flow of goods at the port.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osibanjo, who is heading the Presidential Task Force saddled with the responsibility of changing the state of Apapa gridlock had denied allegations of unfair practice.

However, the NESG in the statement said the problem is far from being over. It said, “We wish to call for urgent solutions to the Apapa Port congestion, and other difficulties in effecting prompt and efficient export and import of goods.

“The Seaport is an economic lifeline critical for the diversification of the Nigerian economy.”

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The NESG acknowledged the government’s efforts at re-opening the Eastern Port but calls for a rail link between Onne and Port Harcourt.

The group noted that urgent attention was required to avoid replicating the Apapa Port congestion experience.

Congestion at the Apapa port is caused by long queues of tankers and container trucks either trying to access the ports to ship export containers or pick imported goods.