Cargo clearance activities at Lagos’ Tincan Island and Apapa ports have slowed down due to ongoing nationwide protests.
A visit to these ports on Friday, as reported by NAN, showed a minimal presence of clearing agents, leading to a reduction in cargo clearance operations.
Usman Abubakar, the public relations officer of the Apapa customs command, confirmed the low turnout, attributing it to the protests. He noted that although operations had slightly improved compared to Thursday, they were still not back to normal.
Abubakar urged port users to expedite cargo clearance to accommodate incoming vessels.
Tony Ibe, a freight forwarder at Tincan Island port, mentioned that many agents avoided the port on Thursday due to concerns about access restrictions caused by the protests.
Tochukwu Atuegwe, owner of Praise God clearing agents, observed a better turnout on Friday and encouraged agents to resume normal operations on Monday.
He added that customs officers and terminal operators are available to assist in clearing cargo from the ports.
Adepoju Gbojubade, another clearing agent at Apapa port, noted that cargo clearance was swift due to the reduced number of agents. He mentioned that the situation is gradually stabilizing as port authorities and stakeholders work together to resume full operations and clear the backlog of cargo.
The nationwide protests, which began on August 1, are in response to Nigeria’s rising cost of living and economic difficulties. These protests have led to the closure of commercial banks and other businesses. The demonstrators are demanding a reversal of certain policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu, which they believe have caused hardship in the country.
