Apapa gridlock will disappear by first quarter of 2021, says Bello
Hassan Bel lo, execut ive secre tary of the Nigerian Sh ippers ’ Council ( NSC) has said on Friday in Lagos that he was optimistic that Apapa gridlock would disappear by first quarter of 2021.
Speaking when he received members of the National Advisory Committee set up by the President on African Continental Free Trade Area ( AFCFTA) in his office on Friday, he said that addressing the gridlock and other issues along the ports corridors would ensure the country benefits from the AFCFTA.
He said Nigeria has deficit on infrastructure especially around rail, road, connectivity between the ports and the hinterland. He however said that by March 2021, gridlock in Apapa will disappear.
“This is because we are approaching it in a scientific angle. First, we have to make the ports digital and contactless, no need to go to the port to make payment or other transaction, all these will be online,” he said.
Bello noted that Nigeria’s dependent on road for the delivery and evacuation of cargoes was totally wrong, adding that it was based on that they are introducing rail and barges for cargo evacuation.
He further disclosed that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) would soon deploy electronic call-up system to manage traffic, while Customs would introduce e-customs and also provide scanners for cargo inspection.
According to him, he had been an advocate for the economy to be trade based which he believed would have impact on production, manufacturing, transport and others.
“It is important that the country wake up to the realities in time. The outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic was a rude awakening for us to see how without internal development, we could not have been of any significance in the committee of nations,” he said.
Continuing, he said: “52 countries have rectified this agreement that is coming up effectively January 2021, and billions of people will be involved. It is like the world cup, when five countries are scrambling for host in the cup, going round inspecting the stadia, infrastructure, hotels to determine the readiness or otherwise and the best will be given, this is where we are in the free trade agreement in Africa.”
He however said that the Free Trade Agreement is good but will only favour those who are ready especially countries that are continuously improving on their infrastructure.
He further said that there is need for Nigeria to have national fleet in order for the country to benefit from lifting its own crude oil.
Funmi Folorunso, an AFCFTA champion for transport sector, said the committee would ensure that Nigeria takes leadership position in the African Free Trade Area with focus on transportation.
According to her, the potential of African trade area has not been quantified by anybody as it is been looked at from every angle, adding that it would be a game changer that should be utilised.
“The essence of this meeting is to start off an engagement with NSC, to work with them to ensure that Nigeria optimises the potentialities, and benefits not just by sitting down but by hard work. We appreciate the lot of work the council has done, even in keeping the economy going during Covid-19 and this is why our first port of call is here,” she explained.