By Godfrey Bivbere
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has assured stakeholders in the industry that plans are on the way to find a lasting solution to the gridlock along the Apapa-Oshodi expressway.
The minister gave the assurance at the International Customs Day celebration, held Weekend, following complaints by the Editor of Vanguard Newspaper and President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba.
Oyetola blamed the persistence gridlock along that route to the failure of the electronic call up system as a result of non compliance of stakeholders to the rule of engagement of the system.
Adegboyega noted that discussion with the relevant stakeholders is ongoing and the solution would be reached soon.
The Vanguard Editor in his goodwill address at the event with the theme “Customs Engaging Traditional And New Partners With Purpose,” had complained that the gridlock along that route has continued to hinder port operations as well as causing discomfort to operators, motorists and residents.
According to Anaba, “I am happy that the guest of honour, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy is here. Why am I happy? The revenue of Customs would have been more than they have recorded. It will be irresponsible of me not to talk about the traffic situation along the Apapa port and the Oshodi.
“I am sure of the headaches that importers go through getting their goods out of the ports. The reason I am saying this is because I know for a fact that the minister was a formidable and distinguished private sector player before he moved to government.
“I am sure that hearing this from me, close quarters; he is going to do something about it. Looking at me directly is the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA who I am sure would have developed more gear hairs because of the task of clearing the port access road from Oshodi to the ports.
“I do not know how to describe it, roads are constructed and roads are taken over by tankers because of the presence of tank farms. Customs cannot do their job because they cannot move tankers out of the road; importers cannot move their goods from the ports because the roads are clogged.
“The gridlock is making clearing of goods more expensive, frustrating importers and frustrating business people. So honourable minister sir, I am happy you are onboard. Working with the CG of Customs and the Managing Director of NPA, please help stakeholders in that sector.
Source: Vanguard