APMT, Customs explore investment in scanners

TERMINAL Manager, APM Terminals Apapa, Steen Knudsen, has said the terminal is in talks with the Nigeria Customs Service ( NCS) to invest in more scanners for optimal cargo delivery to consignees.

He expressed optimism that cargo delivery to consignees would be faster with the deplo yment of more scanners to the ports to boost efficiency.

Knudsen stated this to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council ( NSC), Akutah Pius Ukeyima and a delegation of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents ( ANLCA), led by the National President, Nwokeji Emenike, during a working visit to the terminal.

He said the terminal has made substantial investments in digital technology and cargo handling equipment to ensure prompt service delivery to customers.

Knudsen said the terminal has also improved its processes through automation, as importers and agents can now book their containers for examination and carry out other transactions online from the comfort of their homes or offices without having to visit the terminal.

Knudsen, who emphasised that global trade needs efficient port operations and integrated solutions, said many of the factors mitigating the prompt delivery of containers at the terminal, are outside the operator’s control.

He charged truck drivers to comply with the rules of engagement of the electronic call- up system created by the Nigerian Ports Authority ( NPA).

According to him, truck drivers who bypass the electronic truck appointment system create problems on the road and in the ports, thereby hampering efficient cargo delivery.

Harping on the need for collaboration across all stakeholders in the logistics value chain to improve port operations, he assured freight forwarders and licensed agents of efficient services and timely delivery of their containers.