Sifax calls for barge, off-docks operations to decongest ports

Executive Director, SIFAX Off Dock, Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, has urged stakeholders in the maritime sector to adopt the option of barge transportation for the movement of consignments from the Lagos ports.

Olugbade said the challenges of congestion and traffic gridlock caused by bad access roads would drastically reduce if credible alternatives to road transportation like barges are encouraged by shipping lines and agents.

He said: “Shipping lines and agents should be encouraged to key into the use of barges for transfer in view of the poor state of the port access roads. Aggressive transfer of cargoes through barges to the various off-docks in Lagos will help decongest the port in a great way and help the port reach its maximum potentials.”

He also urged the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), and other relevant agencies to execute the policy of establishing inland container depots in various parts of the country with more vigour, as this would provide a very important leeway for the decongestion of Nigerian ports.

“The idea of floating inland container depots or off docks in various parts of the country is a very good initiative by the government. Although it is yet to yield its desired results, there is a need to pursue its implementation with more commitment by all stakeholders. Off docks are still very much relevant in Nigeria’s maritime business model; they will always help to decongest the ports and bring about efficiency in port operations.”

Olugbade further noted that SIFAX Group’s belief in off-dock as a good port-decongestion strategy is responsible for the company’s massive investment in its current off-dock facilities and acquisition of new ones in various locations across Lagos.

This, he said, would enable agents to experience an easier clearing process and faster consignment movement.On the indiscriminate sitting of off-docks in Lagos, Olugbade urged relevant government agencies to strictly enforce the policies that guide its location in Lagos State, to avoid environmental hazards.