Terminal operators defy NPA

Terminal Operators and Shipping companies have defied NPA’s seven days ultimatum to provide holding bays for their empty containers, a development that has worsen the traffic gridlock on the Apapa –Oshodi Expressway. The traffic situation is beginning to take its toll on businesses and residents within and around the Apapa area of Lagos as motorists spend hours on the road before getting to their destinations.

Officials of some companies operating within the area between Mile 2 and Cocoa-nut Bus-stop are forced to abandon their vehicles and staff buses to trek to places of work while those unfortunate enough to get to work with their vehicles are forced to sleep in the office.

Meanwhile, Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Suwaid, said that it is not true that NPA gave an ultimatum to the shipping companies and terminal operators to provide holding bay but only advised them to do so.

According to him, “It was not an ultimatum; they were only advised to use their own holding bay. I remember there was the issue about Measkline , when it was reported that they have been given an ultimatum to leave the country. We said no, they were only encouraged to use their holding bay.”