From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
Ahead of the official launch of the 10 certified export processing terminals in Lagos and Ogun states, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has flagged off the first non-oil export processing terminal, situated at Ibeshe in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Speaking at the facility, which is designated as EssLibra Terminal, the NPA Managing Director, Mohammed Bello Koko, implored all agencies involved in the export processing value chain to deploy adequate personnel and work in synergy to ensure efficiency and quick turnaround in the processing of export cargo.
He commended the management of EssLibra for the quality of facilities at the terminal, assuring of the NPA’s readiness to remove all impediments against the seamless handling of locally manufactured exports and agro-allied commodities.
Bello Koko further charged the management of the terminal to keep to the export processing goal, as the facility is intended as a one-stop-shop where all inspection, consolidation and stuffing of export-bound cargo will be conducted in a synchronized manner to eliminate all forms of delay that hitherto rendered Nigeria’s non-oil exports uncompetitive.
More so, he said the NPA under his watch would effectively implement all government policies geared towards promoting exports, as well as strengthening indigenous capacity by promoting local content.
“We took cognizance of local content in the certification process of this terminal, and this is why I expect the host-community to take ownership of this terminal and support its operations, in view of its multiplier benefits,” a statement from the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Nasiru, cited him to say.
While conducting the NPA management team on a tour of the terminal, the Managing Director of EssLibra Nigeria Limited, Yemi Adunola, thanked the agency and its technical partner, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), for its unalloyed support.
He assured of his company’s readiness to render efficient services, and continuous improvement through sustained investments in human capital and requisite technology.
The EssLibra Terminal is an integrated logistics off-dock terminal ready for all export activities such as stuffing, on-site customs clearance and barging services.
The terminal covers an area of 120,000sqm, comprising an export processing zone, trailer park, ro-ro facility and fuel dump. The operator is offering over 100 dedicated trucks, seven barges, two cranes and eight container handlers, among other on-demand cargo equipment.
