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Agency Details
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CMA-CGM DELMAS NIGERIA LIMITED
26 Creek Road
PMB 1185 box 235
Apapa
Lagos
Nigeria
Tel: (+234) 80 33931286 / 80 37177094
Fax: (+234) 15875552
E-mail: Lgs.rononiwu@african-agency.com or lgs.aobagidi@african-agency.com

Click here for a list of all OT Africa Line agency offices

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OT Africa Line Service Brochure
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For comprehensive details highlighting our service from Nigeria please see our latest service brochure.

Lagos Port

Lagos Port Information
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Port Infrastructure

Until 1975 Lagos was the capital of Lagos state, and until December 1991 it was the federal capital of Nigeria. Ikeja replaced Lagos as the state capital, and Abuja replaced Lagos as the federal capital. Lagos, however, remained the unofficial seat of many government agencies. The city's population is centred on Lagos Island, in Lagos Lagoon, on the Bight of Benin in the Gulf of Guinea. Lagos is Nigeria's largest city and one of the largest in sub-Saharan Africa.

Lagos is the principle port of Nigeria situated on the Gulf of Guinea. The port is split into three main sections: Lagos, Apapa and Tin Can Island. The creeks and lagoons are plied by small coastal craft.

The city is the western terminus of the nation's road and railway networks, and the airport at Ikeja provides local and international services.

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NPA = Nigerian Ports Authority: This government parastatal owns and operates the Nigerian ports. In Apapa, NPA charges and collects quay rent and other ancillary costs from consignees as they own the import terminals. All the outside bonded/ satellite terminals linked to Apapa port also work in partnership with NPA.

NMA = Nigerian Maritime Authority: This government parastatal is involved in protecting the country's maritime interest. Consignee's do not pay any amount to NMA during the clearing process as all NMA charges are paid by shipping lines that call Nigerian ports. The increase of NMA charges in 2003 led to the introduction of the freight tax surcharge added onto all Nigerian freights. The Federal Government announced in Dec 2004 that all NMA charges payable by shipping companies will be scrapped as from Jan 2005, following recommendations from the World Bank. However, this policy is yet to be implemented.

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Apapa Port Information

Apapa is Nigeria's largest port and contains a number of wharfs. A range of commodities are handled at Apapa and include dedicated facilities for the discharge and loading of wheat, cement, oil, petroleum, fish, dry cargo and containers.

The container terminal is located at the Third Apapa Wharf extension and covers and area of 44 hectares. Maximum capacity of the terminal is 22,000 TEU and served by 6 designated container berths with a quay length of 950 metres. There is 6,400m2 of covered storage space.

Through OT Africa Line close relationship with its stevedore company we are able to offer a dedicated cocoa warehouse within the port. This enables OT Africa Line to effectively handle all cocoa shipment in a safe and reliable manner. We also have dedicated storage and warehouse space on and off quay and ours agent has extensive knowledge of the port and is able to provide a high standard of service.

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Tin Can Port Information

Tin Can is a self contained port entered through Badagry Creek via a 200m wide channel which has been dredged to 8.5m. Tin Can provides 11 berths including seven break-bulk general cargo berths, one dry bulk cargo berth and two dedicated roro berths (numbers 9 and 10).

Total length over the quays is over 2000 meters and has a maximum draught of 10 metres - up to 13 vessels can be accommodated at a time.

Berth No 9 has special ro-ro ramps to work the ro-ro vessels. There are five transit sheds and three warehouses offering a covered storage area of 54,000m2 and an open storage area of 125,000m2. There are also 5 vehicle parks - each able to accommodate 6000 cars at a time.

To ensure efficient service the port has its own electricity supply power station with seven sub-stations throughout the port. To maintain tight security the port has a separate security system with a police station manned by the Nigeria Police Force backed up by private security organisations.

Tin Can is linked to Apapa by a road bridge.

Draft at Berth
10m
Draft at Harbour Mouth 8.5m
No of Deepwater Quays
11
Total Length of Quay
2.5km
Cranes
6 electrical portal cranes of 8-10 tonnes with an outreach of 25-28m
6 mobile cranes of 8-10 tonnes each
Rail Connections
None at Tin Can Island. Only Ijora Wharf (Iddo Island) and Apapa are connected to the general railway system.

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Port Harcourt/Onne

Port town and capital of Rivers state, southern Nigeria, Port Harcourt lies along the Bonny River (an eastern distributary of the Niger River) 41 miles (66 km) upstream from the Gulf of Guinea. Founded in 1912 in an area traditionally inhabited by the Ijo people, it began to serve as a port (named for Lewis Harcourt, then colonial secretary) after the opening of the rail link to the Enugu coalfields in 1916. Now one of the nation's largest ports, its modern deepwater (23 feet [7 metres]) facilities handle the export of palm oil, palm kernels, and timber from the surrounding area, coal from Anambra state, tin and columbite from the Jos Plateau, peanuts (groundnuts) from the northern states, and, since 1958, petroleum from fields in the eastern Niger River delta. Port Harcourt has bulk storage facilities for both palm oil and petroleum. In the 1970s the port was enlarged with new facilities at nearby Onne.

Port Harcourt is one of Nigeria's leading industrial centres. The Trans-Amadi Industrial Estate, 4 miles (6 km) north, is a 2,500-acre (1,000-hectare) site where tires, aluminum products, glass bottles, and paper are manufactured. The town also manufactures cigarettes, steel structural products, corrugated tin, paints, plastics, enamelware, wood and metal furniture, cement, concrete products, and several other goods, and it has truck and bicycle assembly plants. Nigeria's first oil refinery (1965) is at Alesa-Eleme, 12 miles (19 km) southeast. Pipelines carry oil and natural gas to Port Harcourt (where there also is a refinery) and to the port of Bonny, 25 miles (40 km) south-southeast, and refined oil to Makurdi in Benue state. Port Harcourt is the site of traditional boatbuilding and fishing industries and has fish-freezing facilities.

The University of Port Harcourt (1975) and Rivers State University of Science and Technology (1971, university status 1980) serve the town, and nearby Onne is the site of the Nigerian Naval College. Port Harcourt is the starting point of the eastern branch of the Nigerian Railways main line and also of the trunk highway network serving eastern Nigeria. There is an international airport located 7 miles (11 km) northeast along the road and railway to Aba.

FEDERAL OCEAN TERMINAL (FOT)

Quay Length
1320 metres
Draft (Low Tide) 10m
Industrial Area
500,000 m2
Warehouse Areea
46,000 m2

FEDERAL LIGHTER TERMINAL (FLT)

Quay Length
1675 metres
Draft (Low Tide) FLT 1 & 2 8m, FLT 3 & 4 10m
Industrial Area
400,000 m2
Warehouse Areea
33,000 m2

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Trasport News
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Federal government to Concession Sagamu-Benin, Enugu-Onitsha, Nine Other Highways - 01/02/10
The Federal government has begun moves to concession 11 new Federal Highways to the private sector under a Public Private Partnership arrangement. The projects are located in the South West North West; North Central ; South -South and South East geo-political zones.

The Minister of Works, Housing and Urban Development, Dr.Hassan Lawan stated that the Federal Government had already engaged the services of Transaction Advisors to access the viability of the projects before final decision would be taken on them.

Lawan said ,”It has become obvious that the work load in the road sector has become too large for the government alone to handle through budgetary allocations. In order to ameliorate the effect of dwindling resources to prosecute road development programmes, and with the coming into effect of Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission , the Federal Ministry of Works, Housing and Urban Development has commenced some PPP projects.” [PU 01/02/10]

Customs to Enhance E-Transactions in Nation's Ports - 31/01/10
The Nigerian Custom Service [NCS] has put in place measures to ensure that transactions in all the ports are done in electronic catchment in the near future ensure. Clarification of the service on the introduction of e-remittance and e-manifest is coming against the backdrop complaints of some banks that it would be difficult to automate payment from offices of agents now, because the project team has not given designated banks go ahead to use internet platform for the payment of duties.

Assistant Comptroller General Ihenacho said that the programme would soon be rolled out in all the ports in Lagos. Ihenacho pointed out that the role of Nigerian Customs Service is to partner with relevant stakeholders in local and International trade chain to establish controls that would lead to absolute compliance with that nation's laws and Government fiscal policy measures. To achieve this objective, the Ihenacho said the service has entered into partnership with UNCTAD for provision of ASYCUDA software; as well as webb fountain for provision of Hardware, network and training on the ASYCUDA system. Others are the designated banks and service providers like COTECNA, SGS and Global scan. [VAN 31/01/10]

Cargo Tracking Levy is to Fund Safety and Security Matters - 20/01/10
The Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] Malam Abdul-Salam Mohammed has said that the proceeds of the newly introduced Cargo Tracking Note levy collection is to be used in financing safety and security matter in ports. Speaking in defense of the Cargo Tracking levy, Malam Mohammed said that the government is not interested in introducing any new charges neither is it bringing any new layer of bureaucracy.

Musa Iliya, Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs Unit of the NPA said the CTN will not add to the cost of doing business in the Nigerian ports. He said the CTN fee or charges had been an integral part of cargo freight. According to Iliya, there is no additional cost on cargo tracking as everything is paid for right from the port of origin. Illiya has disclosed that a technical committee will look into ways of ensuring that the newly-introduced CTN scheme does not add to port costs and bureaucracy in the nation's seaports.

Already, port users and other stakeholders in the maritime industry have vehemently opposed the introduction of the levy describing it as illegal. Malam Mohammed confirmed that he has received comments opposing the Cargo Tracking Note levy, adding that most of the people opposing the levy are ill-informed. He stated that NPA has concluded plans to have an interactive session with most of the stakeholders in the industry with a view to briefing them of the full details of government's intentions and the mechanism of implementation. [VAN 20/01/10]

Stakeholders Oppose MSA Bill, Canvases for Better Funding for Nimasa, Navy - 20/01/10
Stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector were unanimous in their condemnation of the Maritime Security Bill which proposes to establish a Maritime Security Agency for the country. In its presentation the Federal Ministry of Transport submitted that by the provisions of Section 1 [4] of the Armed Forces Act Cap 20, LNF, 2004, the power to enforce Maritime Security is largely vested in the Nigerian Navy while the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency [NDLEA], Nigeria Immigration Service, Marine Division of the Police and the Nigeria Customs Service are also vested with similar powers.

The Minister of Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Bio observed that some of the provisions of the Maritime Security Agency Bill as presently drafted were in conflict and a duplication of some existing responsibilities of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA]. While admitting that the Maritime Security situation in Nigeria requires urgent attention, the Transport Ministry urged the Law makers to review the NIMASA ACT in order to empower the Agency to enforce maritime security.

Other Government Agencies and stakeholders in the maritime industry who also presented position papers against the Maritime Security Bill include the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, MWUN, National Council For Managing Directors, Association of Master Mariners, and the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping amongst others. [VAN 20/01/10]

Cotecna Trains Customs Officers On Use Of Fixed Scanner - 15/01/10
Following the successful test-running of the first fixed scanner in the country, Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited [CDIL], owners of container inspection equipment, have commenced training of officers of Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] and some of its men for the system's Image Analysis and general operation. The first set of specialized training programmes on the fixed scanner operations began Apapa Port's scanning site with nine selected customs officers and three staffers of COTECNA, the Service Provider. In explaining the essence of the training, the Area Comptroller of the Ijora Lillypond Customs Command and Managing Director of CDIL, Mr. Tayo Rabiu stated that the exercise would cover both the operations and maintenance of the fixed scanner. [DC 15/01/10]

CRFFN Move to Check Freight Forwarding Practices - 27/01/10
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarders in Nigeria [CRFFN] has commenced moves to check freight forwarding practices in Nigeria. Speaking at the first meeting between the Council and leaders of freight forwarding Associations in Nigeria, the Chairman of the Publicity Committee of the group, Olayiwola Shittu, said that the time has come for the practice of freight forwarding to be sanitized. Shittu noted that it is in a country like Nigeria that any body can do any thing and get away with it, adding that Council will also protect the interest of Nigeria involved in the practice of the trade. Already, the Council has commenced moves to register all freight forwarders in Nigeria, adding that any body not registered with the Council will not be allowed to practice. Also, the CRFFN said that a Freight Forwarders Council will be set up later in the year to serve as a platform for inputs by the practitioners in the affairs of the regulatory body. [VAN 27/01/10]

New FCT Customs Command Boss Assumes Duty - 29/01/10
Mallam Usman Bello has been appointed area controller of the Federal Capital Territory [FCT] command of Nigeria Customs Service [NCS]. Until his new appointment, he was the Customs Area Controller of the Kano/Jigawa Area Command. He took over from Comptroller Sahabi Sadiq who has been moved to Tincan Island Port , Lagos. In his first meeting with officers and men of the Area Command the new Controller urged the officers to brace up for greater challenges, especially in the area of revenue collection, with a view to meeting the Command's revenue target of N5 Billion as set by the Customs Headquarters in Abuja. Comptroller Bello specifically informed the officers that he will set revenue target to each unit of the Command. [DC 29/01/10]

Port-Harcourt Customs Command Generates N22.235 Billion in 2009 - 22/01/10
Port Harcourt command of Nigeria Customs Services [NCS] said it generated over N22.235 billion to the Federal Account in 2009. Comptroller A.A. Warikoru said that the total revenue collected by the command in 2009 was an improvement from the N16.937 billion collected by the command in 2008. The revenue figure of last year shows an increase of about N5.3 billion or 31.29%. The Customs chief also disclosed that the command recorded the highest monthly revenue collection ever in the history of the command last December. A breakdown of the monthly performance of the command in revenue collection shows that the Command performed best from the months of August to December. [DC 22/01/10]

Federal government targets $10 Billion From Non Oil Export - 22/01/10
The Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council [NEPC], Mr. David Adulugba has said the country's non-oil export is expected to generate $10 billion as earnings this year. He said the council will contribute significantly to the nation's Gross Domestic Product [GDP]. Adulugba said more attention will be given to product development, human capital development and cooperation with multi- lateral institutions, sensitization workshop and the establishment of public-private partnership. [TD 22/01/10]

Federal government establishes Solid Minerals Buying Centres - 23/01/10
Federal government said it has established seven mineral purchasing centres across the country to facilitate the export of solid mineral products. As part of measures to step-up development of the mining sector, the Miners Association of Nigeria said it would be worthwhile if government deploys some of the Millennium Development Goals [MDG] funds to promote mining activities in the country. The Chief Environmental Officer, Artisinal and Small Scale Mining in the Federal Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Mr. Yanusa Mohammed said the Ministry is also encouraging the formation of cooperatives by miners in order to enable them pulls their resources together for sustainable mining activities.

According to him, the Ministry decided to embark of the training programme in collaboration with the World Bank Project Office in order to enable Nigerians avail themselves of the economic opportunities inherent in the mining of Gemstones. He said the aim is to expose the local gemstone miners to some of the modern technologies and worldwide practice for the mining of the product so that they learn a better of carrying out their mining operation. [TD 23/01/10]

Federal government to Ban Tankers From Kaduna Metropolis - 31/01/10
The Federal Government said that it would stop petroleum tankers from plying Kaduna metropolitan roads from March. Dr Lawal Hassan, the Minister of Works, announced this while inspecting the Kaduna Eastern By-pass project. He said such tankers from Kaduna Refinery would be barred from the township roads as soon as the 16km Abuja-Kachia Highway was inaugurated in March. He said the importance of the by-pass could not be over emphasised because it would decongest Kaduna township roads and promote safety of its residents. [DT 31/01/10]

Federal government renews Hope On Lagos – Kano Railway Project - 25/01/10
The Federal Government has restated the need to kick-start the first phase of the Nigerian railway modernisation project on the Lagos-Kano axis. The Minister of Finance Dr. Mansur Muhtar, meeting with a visiting delegation from China’s Export Import Bank to Nigeria, expressed confidence that the visit would enable the technical teams from both countries to finalise arrangements for the drawdown of the $500m concessional loan for the railway project, which was earlier granted by China to Nigeria.

The minister said that the visit was coming on the heels of the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister to Nigeria and added that practical steps could now be taken to actualise the loan facility and kick start the railway modernisation project. Also lending his voice to the urgency of the project, the Minister of Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Bio, added that the government had met its obligation by providing the counterpart funding in the supplementary budget and it was therefore keen for China to effect a drawdown on the $500m loan. [PU 25/01/10]

Federal government moves To Tackle Wrecks On Waterways - 24/01/10
The Federal Government has re-iterated its readiness to work towards the elevation of the country from its current status in the international maritime industry. The International Maritime Organisation [IMO] Council currently rates Nigeria among the 'Category C' countries due to the untidiness of its waterways. Minister of Transport Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Bio said that the country would take a bold step in the direction of attaining the more prestigious Category 'B' status in the foreseeable future. The Minister stressed the need to clear the navigational channels of barges, boats, and abandoned vessels, which, according to him, constitute hazard to safe navigation in the Nigerian waters. [TG 24/01/10]

Nigeria's Bilateral Trade Volume With India Hits $10 Billion - 15/01/10
Trade relations between Nigerian and India may be on the upswing, as both countries have initiated steps to promote bilateral economic ties, which have so far raised the trade volume between the two countries to $10 billion.

Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, at the West Africa-Indian Trade and Economic Forum, said, the possibility of increased market access opportunities between India and countries within the sub-region, interms of improved terms of trade, would be imperative to increase production efficiency and competitiveness through infrastructural development. He added that it is important and necessary to address market access constraints as well as Non-Tariff Barriers [NTB] that hinder the free movement of goods and services across the region's frontiers, as particular attention should be paid to the inherent supply side constraints in the West African Community in the course of the business forum. [TG 15/01/10]

Maritime Security Agency Bill Passes Second Reading - 21/12/09
The controversial Maritime Security Agency [MSA] Bill has passed a second reading at the House of Representatives, a development that may likely bring about an amendment in the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] Act. The bill has been given an accelerated legislative process and once passed could see some functions of NIMASA being stripped. The core functions of five other agencies under the Ministry of Transport could also be affected. [VAN 21/12/09]

Maritime Bank Takes Off in Abuja This Year - 07/01/10
The Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa Development Bank will take off in Abuja in Q1 of 2010. A property has been secured in Abuja to accommodate the bank. The organisation will also establish a Regional Coast Guard Network to address environmental pollution as well as enforce IMO conventions like Safety of Life At Sea. A zonal coordinator has been appointed for the Coast Guard Network which is expected to take off before the end of January 2010. [DI 07/01/10]

Government Moves to Reconstruct Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala Road - 09/01/01
Borno State Government has proposed construction and rehabilitation of federal roads linking the country through the state to neighbouring countries of Niger, Chad and Cameroon. Under a new bill the 147km Dikwa-Gamboru-Ngala road is ecpected to be constructed during 2010. [TD 09/01/10]

Nigeria Signs US$81.2m Contract For Rehabilitation Of Jebba-Kano Railway Line - 30/12/09
The Nigerian Federal Government has signed a contract with engineering firm Costain West Africa Ltd for the rehabilitation of the Jebba-Kano rail line. The contract, worth US$81.2 million is to be completed in 10 months. Speaking at the signing ceremony on 29/12/09, Minister of Transport Alhaji Isa Bio said other contracts had been awarded as part of a comprehensive effort to revitalise rail transport in the country. The first phase of the rehabilitation will be from Lagos to Jebba while the second phase from Jebba to Kano. [NNN-NAN 30/12/09]

Cotecna Tests Fixed Scanner - 30/12/09
Cotecna performed a test run on the first ever fixed scanner to be installed in Nigeria last month. The fixed scanner is to replace the mobile scanner that has been in place for some years now and currently in use at Apapa Port. The new equipment is expected to process information faster and produced better images and unlike the mobile scanner, offers a dual view highlighting both side and overhead images [9 MeV Dual View].The new scanner is much more powerful and robust with a high penetration level which results in better quality images. This will allow Customs a much higher level of accuracy in image analysis and decision making. Managing Director of Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited [CDIL], Tayo Rabiu, stated that the fixed scanner [the first in sub-Saharan Africa] would be officially commissioned in February 2010 after some finetuning.
Work on a second fixed scanner site located at Ashaye at the Tin Can Island Port Complex is also at an advanced stage and should be ready in Q1 of 2010. [TG 30/12/09]

Maritime Association To Build Truck Terminal - 30/12/09
The Maritime Truck Owners Association is seeking N7bn to build a truck terminal. The association has completed discussions with the Lagos State Government on the location of the terminal at Ijora in Lagos which is expected to accommodate 2,000 or more dry-cargo trucks operating in the ports. The construction of the terminal would be a solution to the perennial traffic problems on the access roads to Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports. Earlier the Federal Ministry of Transport had written to the government to ensure the truck terminal became reality by asking it to give the necessary approval. [Next 30/12/09]

APMT Terminal Handles 545,000 Cargo In 2008 - 10/12/09
APMT Terminal Apapa Limited has disclosed that terminal cargo throughput has increased from about 280,000 in 2006 to about 545,000 in 2008, whilst vessel turnaround time has also improved from about 170hrs to 59.4hrs in the same period. This was announced at a Bureau of Public Enterprises [BPE] Post-Privatization Monitoring visit to the terminal. The concessionaires also noted expenditure of US$179 million in the acquisition of cargo handling equipment and infrastructure development at the Apapa Container Terminal since 2006.

On the flip side there remain unresolved post implementation issues with the government including the slow reaction to concessionaires' requests for tug and pilot services as contained in the concession agreement and lost revenue as a significant part of the concession area is still occupied by tenants causing loss of revenue due to lost capacity. On dredging, the dredging to a depth of 13.5m of the quay channels by the government as contained in the concession agreement is yet to commence. The government, also responsible for quay wall maintenance, are also preventing larger, more modern and productive quay side equipment as the current quay strength is insufficient to accommodate such equipment.

After the visit the Director General of BPE assured the concessionaire that government will cooperate with them to ensure that government objectives for the reform and concession of the ports are fully realized. [DC 10/12/09]

APM Terminals Install N52 Million Crane Simulator at Apapa Port - 18/11/09
APM Terminals Apapa Limited has installed a new modern, state-of-the-art crane simulator with a view to making the container terminal more efficient. The new simulator, the first of its kind in West and Central African sub-region, was installed at a cost of N52.5m to train crane operators on the usage of sophisticated terminal equipment such as the Ship to Shore [STS] and Rubber Tyred Gantry [RTG] Cranes which are in use at the terminal. The simulator was installed by India's ARI Simulation Company. [VAN 18/11/09]

Absence Of Infrastructure Threatens US$8 Billion Lekki Port Project - 18/11/09
The promoters of the proposed US$8 bn Lekki port [www.lekkiport.com], the first deep sea port in Nigeria, have urged the federal and the Lagos State governments to help in the provision of basic infrastructure. Haresh Aswani, Managing Director of Lagos Free Trade Zone [LFTZ], which is promoting the port project within the zone, noted there was need for the provision of road and rail network for quick and easy evacuation of goods from the port that is expected to commence operations in 2012. He said although the Government had already constituted a committee to look at the issue of infrastructure in the area for the benefit of the port, there was need to fast track action on infrastructural development as the port would, no doubt serve as a hub port for the entire West African sub-region on completion. Aswani said there was need to expand the existing Lekki road to make it
a 6-lane road, and has canvassed for the construction of a new road from Lekki to link other areas in the country so that goods could be moved out of the port without passing through the Lagos metropolis that is often characterised by traffic jam.

Lekki port's technical drawings have now been approved by the Nigerian Ports Authority as has the Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] by the Federal Ministry of Environment. [TG 18/11/09]

New Maritime Security Agency? - 09/12/09
The House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind moves to strip the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] of its maritime security function. The house noted that the agency has failed over the year to provide security for the industry and that NIMASA should be allowed to concentrate on its primary duties of dealing with Cabotage matters, developing the shipping industry and overseeing the safety measures of the equipment used therein. A new entity would then focus on improving maritime security technology, identifying threats and reviewing security requirements well beyond the International Ship and Port Facility Security [ISPS] Code. The agency would likely to be funded by a 1% reduction of NIMASA’s income which it gets from 3% charges on freight collected from all imports and exports goods. [VAN 09/12/09]

NIMASA, IMSO Signs LRIT Agreement on Maritime Safety, Security - 26/11/09
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] has signed the Long Range Identification Tracking System [LRIT] Services Agreement with International Mobile Satellite Organization [IMSO] in London UK. The essence of the agreement is to further safe guard and secure the Nigerian maritime domain. The LRIT system will improve maritime safety and security, including monitoring transit and operations of ships in the area.

The Nigeria National Data Centre is in the process of testing and is expected to be integrated shortly. This will bring the total number of LRIT Data Centres integrated by the end of 2009 to 48 overall. These Centres integrate more than 80% of the world's registered fleet. [VAN 26/11/09]

Self Assessment/Up-Front Customs Duty Payment Procedure - 29/10/09
Under a new system, effective from 19/10/09, all Importers or Agents in Lagos Ports will be required to do self-assessment by themselves, generate Assessment Slips and make Payments in Duty Collecting Banks. The Banks will in turn confirm the payment electronically into the ASYCUDA Systems before the transactions will be registered by Customs. After payment, Agents will be required to proceed to the Front desks of the Customs Processing Centres, for processing and release. If discrepancies are found in the process of Scanning or physical examination, Demand Notices [DN’s] will be raised, and additional assessment made. Importer/Agent pays in the Bank before Customs Release. The new procedure will become operational in all ASYCUDA++ sites by 05/11/09. [UKTI 29/10/09]

Revised SONCAP Exempted Products List - 27/10/09
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program [SONCAP] identifies those goods which pose the highest risk to consumers in Nigeria and ensure that their claims of safety are verified before they are exported to Nigeria. Since 01/09/05 the SONCAP has become mandatory for products within its scope. These products are known as Regulated Products and failure by exporters to comply with the SONCAP in relation to these products may result in the rejection of goods or additional testing and delays at Nigerian ports. SONCAP is independent of and additional to any existing import processes such as PSI.

A Product Certificate and a SONCAP Certificate are both mandatory clearance documents for Regulated Products in addition to any PSI documentation.

From 05/09/09 SONCAP extended the list of products under its remit. Products that are exempt from the SONCAP are listed here - revised on 22/10/09.

US$15 Million Bonded Terminal Planned For Ondo State - 18/10/09
Singapore Business Federation [SBF www.sbf.org.sg], plans to build a 7,000 teu container terminal in Ondo State, as per a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] signed between Pacific International Lines [PIL], Singapore and Hull Blyth, UK. The project which is to be known as the Stellar Bonded Terminal will be worth US$15 million. The project, part of a decongestion exercise by the port, includes approval from the Ministry of Transport and the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railways Corporation to construct a rail line from Apapa terminal, Lagos that will link the existing line running to Ondo State. This is one of the first bonded terminals outside the city of Lagos, as most inland depots are currently located within the city. [VAN 18/10/09]

IMO Audits Country's Maritime Sector - 22/09/09
The International Maritime Organization [IMO www.imo.org] has commenced the preliminary auditing of the Nigerian maritime sector preparatory to the bi-annual auditing of all member states. As such Transport Minister Ibrahim Isa Bio charged the new Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] management to ensure that the 70% participation reserved for Nigerians by IMO in the Cabotage administration is adhered to. Bio also directed NIMASA to make the registration process of ships more conducive to practitioners in order to increase Nigeria's tonnage as well as ensure adequate steps are taken to ensure that Nigerian waters are properly secured and conducive for navigation. [DT 22/09/09]

Low Business Activities At Eastern Ports - 24/09/09
Low business activities at the Eastern Ports, comprising Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar have continued to be a source of concern among stakeholders in the industry. Business has remained low in spite of the huge investments by private operators, who won concessions in the various terminals and operators lament that a lot of ship owners refuse to go to the eastern ports because of inadequate infrastructure and the fear of running aground due to low draughts. A seminar themed, "The Economic Imperatives of Reviving Eastern Ports," was held on 29/09/09 aimed at reviving the eastern ports economic activities. Tony Anenih, Board of Directors Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA], chaired the event. Also present was managing director of NPA, Abdul Sallam Mohammed and participants from manufacturers association, terminal operators, freight forwarders, stevedoring companies, service providers, port administrators of the concerned ports, importers and other stakeholders. [DI 24/09/09]

Lekki Port Gets MOE Full EIA Approval - 11/10/09
Lekki Port [www.lekkiport.com], located within the Lagos Free Trade Zone [LFTZ], has received Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] approval from the Federal Ministry of Environment [MOE].

Project Director, Peter Banham said, “We are delighted to receive this approval from the Federal Ministry of Environment, as this signifies our commitment not just to the construction but also to the rules stipulated by the government. We are aware of the possible harm of such a large scale project to the local way of life of the host communities and the environment, but we are committed to ensuring the lowest possible negative impact during and after construction, and when operations at the Port commence.”

The Lekki Port when completed will be the deepest port in West Africa. It is situated within the Lagos Free Trade Zone, a privately owned venture located approximately 60km east of the city of Lagos. The new Port is projected to be completed by the last quarter of 2012, will have a final draft of 16.5m and will be able to accommodate large container vessels with a capacity of about 8,500 teu. It will also handle general and bulk cargoes, liquid commodities and tankers of up to 160,000 dwt. [VAN 11/10/09]

Minister Assures On Domestication of IMO Legislations - 24/09/09
Minister of Transport, Ibrahim Bio, has assured that the Federal Government has resolved to domesticate the International Maritime Organisation [IMO] legislations and conventions. The ratification and domestication of international maritime treaties is an important part of the international maritime activities. Nigeria has so far ratified about 40 conventions and protocols of the IMO while the process of domesticating them in order to make them part of the Nigerian municipal laws are ongoing. [DI 24/09/09]

FG Raises Tariff On Imported Tyres to 40% - 04/10/09
President Yar'Adua has approved the upward review of tariffs on all tyre imports into Nigeria to 40% from the current rate of 10%. The directive has been conveyed to the Minister of Finance for immediate implementation. The Government hopes the measure will revitalise activities in the tyre manufacturing sub-sector. [LD 04/10/09]

Customs Begins Gradual Take Over of Scanning Operations - 05/08/09
Assistant Comptroller General, Salisu Argungun, has announced that the Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] is preparing officers to take over scanning operations across the nation's seaports, airports and border posts. Scanning contracts currently run with Cotecna, SGS, and Global Scan. Training commenced 3-months ago with a view to transferring the handling of scanners and its operations. A move initiated to maximise revenue for the government. [VAN 05/08/09]

Nigeria To Establish A Coast Guard - 05/08/09
The Senate Committee on Marine Transport is to establish a Coast Guard in Nigeria. The bill is expected to create a Nigerian Coast Guard to carry out flag and port state control functions without undermining the relevance of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA], which is Nigeria's focal point in maritime safety administration matters. Establishing a coast guard is viewed as a move to stem the rising tide of insecurity on Nigerian waters. According to the International Maritime Bureau pirate attacks more than doubled in the first half of the year to 240 compared with 114 in the first six months of 2008. Nigeria ranks second only to the notorious Somalia on the list of countries prone to piracy and sea robbery attacks. [DI 05/08/09]

Omatseye Replaces Dosunmu As Nimasa Boss - 08/07/09
Shamsideen Dosunmu has been replaced by Raymond Temisanre Omatseye as Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA]. Danjuma Dabo, Director Finance and Administration and Henry Abebe, Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services were also relieved of their appointments replaced by Adeniran Aderogba and Ibrahim Zailani respectively. Ishyaku Shekarau, who was in charge of Maritime Safety and Shipping Development remains. [VAN 08/07/09]

Government Generates Revenue From Onne Ports - 07/07/09
The federal government received a total of US$51.638-million from the concessionaires of the Onne Ports Complex from 2006 to 2009 according to the Bureau of Public Enterprises [BPE]. A breakdown of the fees paid to BPE / Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] are: commencement fee US$10.3 million; lease fee US$13.735 million; throughput fee US$12.317 million; and land industrial area fee US$15.286 million. [DT 07/07/09]

Onne Port Oil Terminal Works - 07/07/09
Brawal Oil Services Ltd Terminal has spent US$13.5 million for the reconstruction and reinforcement of the quay apron at the oil terminal at Onne Port. The NPA is also undertaking dredging of the channel to a draft depth of between 7.5-8.5m but is far below the 13.5m outlined in the concession agreement. [DT 07/07/09]

Lack of Tug Boats Frustrate Eastern Ports' Concessionaires' Efforts - 14/07/09
Effort of terminal operators to revive the already moribund Eastern ports with heavy financial investments are being frustrated by the Mallam Abdulsalam Mohammed led management of the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] which has refused to allocate tug boats to the ports in the region. Already, the only functional tug boat at Port Harcourt Port has broken down forcing shipping companies to look for alternative elsewhere. Other ports in the Eastern region do not have tug boats at all.

Terminal operators believe that the failure of NPA to provide tug boats in the Eastern Ports is slowing down their efforts at reviving the ports of Port Harcourt, Warri and Calabar. All the ports are seeing business expansion but the lack of tugs is reported to be impeding growth. Shipping companies have complained they are forced to hire private tugs even though the NPA is paid for their provision. For example the only tug at Port Harcourt Port that was functional before has broken down and that shipping companies are forced to source for the equipment from private operators at high cost. The cheery news is that the private investments are paying off as the ports have recorded over 200% increase in business performance.

However, the Port Manager of Port Harcourt Port, Dele Alabi noted that there is a standby tug boat, the ‘Balassa’, in service and that two others will soon go for repairs. [VAN 14/07/09]

Uniform Duty Rates For Vehicle Imports - 15/07/09
The Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] has introduced a uniform import duty rate on imported vehicles based on ex-factory price, a development that hopes to eliminate indiscriminate duties. The duty rate before the newly introduced ex-factory rate fell between 10-35% depending on the age of the vehicle. The age limit for any vehicle to be imported to the country is at present 10 years. Outlined in Memorandum NCS/T4T/I&E/067S.4/VOL.X all commands are to comply with the ex-factory price [US$] for Customs duty collection. The Memo also contained a progressive reduction of import duty on vehicles of various age as indicated:
• Vehicles > 3-months with Odometer reading > 3,000 miles but <1-year = 10% duty rate
• Vehicles >1-year but <2-years = 20%
• Vehicles >2-years, but <3-years = 30%
• Vehicles >3-years but <4-years = 40%
• Vehicles > 4-years and above = 50%

The memorandum also noted that importers of used vehicles must produce documentary evidence showing model and cubic capacity vehicles which should be obtained from the vendor. [VAN 15/07/09]

New Legislation On Sale of Used Tyres - 02/07/09
A bill seeking to "prohibit the use of second hand tyres in Nigeria and the need to ensure expiring date in newly manufactured tyres" has passed through a second reading at the House of Representatives. The bill also stated that a maximum of 3-years be fixed as the expiring date and also to ensure that the quality of the tyres meets international standard of 6-8mm tread thickness. [DT 02/07/09]

NIMPORT Expo - 28/06/09
The forthcoming Nigeria Maritime Ports and Terminal [NIMPORT] Expo is to address energy costs, logistics, shipping, ports infrastructure development, customs reform, inland terminal and waterways development and security issues amongst others. Endorsed by the West Africa and Central Africa Port Management the event will also host an African summit for ports, terminals and harbors development creating an unprecedented gathering for business networking and showcasing products and services. [VAN 28/06/09]

Lekki Free Port Zone - 28/06/09
The new Port at Lekki which is expected to be completed by the last Quarter of 2012 has been designed to have a final draft of 16.5m and accordingly will be able to accommodate large container vessels with a capacity of about 8,500 TEUs and in addition would be able to handle general and bulk cargoes, liquid commodities and tankers up to 160,000 dwt.
The Lekki Port is situated within the Lagos Free Trade Zone, a privately owned venture located approximately 60km east of the city of Lagos. The zone when fully completed will incorporate a ‘live, work and play’ concept with a state-of the art infrastructure, petrochemical plant, a refinery, industrial park and world class facilities. [VAN 28/06/09]

Scanner To Be Installed In Tin Can - 25/05/09
Managing Director of Cotecna Nigeria, Tayo Rabiu, has disclosed that another fixed scanner would be installed at the Tin Can Island port by the first quarter of 2010. Cotecna has also engaged the services of a port specialist, who is currently carrying out a Gap Analysis on the 48-hr cargo clearance policy. In keeping with the agreement signed between service providers and the Federal Government, Rabiu said Cotecna is committed to building the capacity of the Nigeria Customs Service in the area of destination inspection, adding that all the equipment being installed would be handed over to Customs at the expiration of its contract. [TD 25/05/09]

Dockworkers Threaten to Shut Onne Ports - 11/05/09
Aggrieved dockworkers of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria [MWUN], have threatened to shut down activities at Onne Port, Rivers state, within the next 2-weeks over alleged underpayment of salaries and benefits to them by terminal operators and stevedoring companies. "Our grievance is drawn from the ongoing practice of terminal operators who in disregard of the 'Ports Act' which in part stipulates that 'payment or cargo discharged or work done should be based on Tonnage and or Cubic Measurements depending on which is higher. Unfortunately, this aspect is not used in practice. What obtains is the situation where we are paid in tonnage terms even when our work is on cubic measurement which is mostly higher. As a result of the above, wages due to us from services we have rendered is drastically reduced and we end up being short changed.” President-General of MWUN, Comrade Nted Anthony Emmanuel noted that the union is making efforts to resolve the issue before it degenerates. [VAN 11/05/09]

Julius Berger Begins Lekki Bridge, Badagry Road Upgrade With N10 Billion - 18/05/09
The sum of N10 billion has been released by the Lagos State Government to Julius Berger Plc, towards the execution of two major infrastructure development projects in the city. The projects include the expansion of the Eric Moore-Mile 2 Road] which is the initial leg of the multi-billion-naira, multi-phase Lagos-Badagry Expressway rehabilitation scheme] as well as the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge [connecting Lekki Peninsular Scheme I with Osborne Road in Ikoyi].[DI 18/05/09]

Ports Decongestion Task Force To Move Containers From Lagos - 21/04/09
About 300 long stay containers have been moved from Lagos to Onne as part of the government port decongestion programme. Further containers may be moved also to Ikorodu, an NPA site in Lagos previously used for import decongestion exercises. Waiting times in Lagos ports have reduced to around 5 days from 20 days in February, mainly as a result of market volume reductions in first quarter of 2009. [Local Agent 21/04/09]

Nigerian Government Lifts Ban On Vegetable Oil Imports - 17/04/09
Commerce and industry minister Chief Achike Udenwa has confirmed that the Nigerian government has lifted the ban on the importation of raw vegetable oil. The ban on refined vegetable oil is still in place. Under the new policy, importation of raw vegetable oils now attracts 35% import duties. [TD 17/04/09]

NSC to Partner FRSC in Establishing Truck Transit Parks - 16/04/09
Management of the Nigerian Shippers Council [NSC] is to collaborate with Federal Road Safety Commission [FRSC] in the establishment of Truck Transit Parks across the nation. Seven locations - Mararaba Forest in Kaduna State, Lokoja in Kogi State, Onitsha in Anambra State, Ogere in Ogun State, and Port Novo Creek in Lagos State - have been selected for phase one of the project. [DI 16/04/09]

Oando Begins Work on 210,000 Mt Lekki Terminal Project - 13/04/09
Oando plc [www.oandoplc.com] announced that it has started work on the development of a refined petroleum products import terminal located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone [LFTZ]. The company has commissioned Front End Engineering Design [FEED] of the terminal scheduled to be completed by the third quarter of 2009, whilst the entire project is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2012. The 210,000 metric tons [MT] capacity terminal is to be the largest purpose built product terminal in the sub- Saharan Africa, with facilities to dispatch over 500 trucks per day in what is set to revolutionise petroleum products distribution in Nigeria. The Lekki Terminal Project will have a Single Point Mooring [SPM] facility located about 7-km offshore, which will support the berthing of 80,000 deadweight tonnage [dwt] vessels for the first time in West Africa.

Chief Executive Officer, Oando Refinery and Terminals, Ayo Ajose-Adeogun, said, "This project will have a direct impact on the downstream sector of the nation's petroleum industry, as it will radically reduce the traffic to Apapa port, which was originally built to handle only 10% of Nigeria 's energy import requirements, as against the 90% does today." [DI 13/04/09]

Osun Free Trade Zone For Commissioning Soon - 13/04/09
The first phase of the Osun State multi-million naira free trade zone [OFTZ] will be commissioned before the year runs out according to the State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. On full completion, the zone which will have eight phases, will cost US$65 million and generate about 450,000 jobs. [TD 13/04/09]

Lekki Free Trade Zone Funding - 12/04/09
The Lagos State government said it had set aside US$267m to help develop the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The money would be contributed by the state government and a Chinese consortium. The Chinese are expected to contribute a total of US$200m while the state government would contribute the remaining US$67m. The Free Trade Zone is part of a new port development project headed by the Tolloram Group, with construction due to start in the 4th quarter 2009 for completion 2012, with projected annual throughput of 1,000,000
TEU’s. [PU & Local Agent 12/04/09]

Government Threatens To Revoke Contract For Lokoja Port - 01/04/09
The Nigerian Government has threatened to revoke the N2.3 billion contract for the construction of the Lokoja port awarded to Phobe Engineering Company Nigeria Ltd. The government has given the contractor a 1-month ultimatum to perform or have the project terminated. Minister of Transport, Alhaji Ibrahim Bio, has expressed disappointment with the pace of work during the last 2-years. Contract for the construction of Lokoja port was awarded by the past administration in 2007. He said: "Our patience is running out and we are giving the contractor four weeks to address the issues." [TG 01/04/09]

Contractors Abandon The Dredging Of Calabar Sea Port - 27/03/09
According to transport minister Alhaji Ibrahim Bio, contractors dredging Calabar seaport have abandoned the project. The contract covering some 86km, was awarded to two companies at €56million. Work started in 2006 but stopped for undisclosed reasons. Since then the dredged areas have re-silted making it necessary to start the work again. The government intends to re-award the contract. [DT 27/03/09]

Plateau State ICD - 17/04/09
Management of Duncan Maritime Services the concessionaires of the Plateau State Inland Container Depot [ICD] has been given the certificate of occupancy to enable it to commence construction work on the N5- billion facility. The certificate was presented to the chairman of the company, Air Vice-Marshal Abbas Umoru by the transport minister, Alhaji Ibrahim Bio. The project has the capacity to reduce the perennial congestion in Lagos port as clients could clear goods outside of Lagos. [AA 17/04/09]

OTAL Launches New Weekly Service To Nigeria - 23/03/09
OT Africa Line is pleased to announce that it will now operate a weekly container service to Lagos from all Northern European, Atlantic and Mediterranean ports via Tangier. For full details on this service please click here.

Nigeria Ports Update - March 2009
• 60-day ultimatum to decongest ports expires with close to 15,000 containers still trapped at the terminal. Vessels waiting at anchorage to berth at APM Terminals have now reduced to eight vessels from the usual average of 16 in the last few months. [see below article]
• The issuance of SEN [Ship Entry Notice] was suspended by NPA on 22/02/09, to alleviate congestion supposedly till middle of April. However the order was reversed on 04/03/09, after various meetings of stakeholders and letters of protest from different quarters including shipping lines. [see below article]
• ANCLA [Association of Nigerian Clearing Agents] went on a 3 days strike from the 16-18/02/09. Several points were on their demand list: start charging demurrage from the date of the transfer of the container, refund of container deposit, return of empties etc. etc. The Government has since imposed most of these on Shipping Line Agents.
• Federal government orders auctioning of overtime cargo to decongest port, but no real action had been taken yet.
• Government imposes demurrage concession on container delayed in transferred to off dock.
• APM Terminal / Apapa: From the 4th of February 2009 till the 3rd of March, berth 16 Apapa was closed for vessel operations due to on-going dredging work. Dredging will continue with berth 17 and 18 but no firm date has been announced and the new draft is still to be approve by the NPA.
• APM Terminal / Apapa: APM Terminals took delivery of four new Rubber Tyred Gantry [see below article]
• TICT / Tin Can: Berth 3 in TICT is closed since 01/10/08, no date of re-opening for the moment.

Four New Cranes Arrive At APM Terminal / Apapa - March 2009
APM Terminals took delivery of four new Rubber Tyred Gantry cranes whose worth is estimated at over $7m as part of a programme to improve cargo handling at Lagos’ ports. The four cranes from Germany’s Noel Crane Systems, arrived on board a special purpose vessel following a four weeks voyage from the factory in China. The equipment arrived on 02/03/09. As a result of this, berth 16 will be re-opened for vessel traffic while berth 18 will be used for the purpose of discharging and assembly of the equipment. These units are hoped to be operational by May 2009.

Lagos State To Start Collecting Wharf Registration Fees - 16/03/09
The Lagos State government is to soon start the collection of the controversial wharf landing fees from trucks laden with containers within the Lagos metropolis. The ‘Wharf Landing Bill’ was finally passed by the state house of assembly [www.lagoshouseofassembly.gov.ng] after several months of debates and accusations by the importers and clearing agents. The law, which seeks to collect levies on goods cleared at the Lagos ports of Apapa and Tin Can Island is the government’s way of accessing alternative funding for its vast infrastructures.Company or freight forwarders that evade payment of the appropriate fees shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N500, 000 in addition to the wharf landing fees. Also individuals would be liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 in addition to the wharf landing fees.

The fees are expected to be:
• N1,000 on 40-foot container
• N500 on 20-foot container
• Smaller containers: N300 each
• Cars, sport utility vehicles and trucks: N300, N500 and N1000 respectively. [NC 16/03/09]

60-Day Ultimatum to Decongest Ports Expires, Congestion Still High - 12/03/09
Congestion still lingers even after the expiration of the 60 days given by the Federal Government to decongest the ports. The Minister of Transport, Ibrahim Bio, had on 06/01/09, conveyed the Federal Government directive for principal stakeholders to immediately look for ways to decongest the nation's seaport of cargo within 60 days at a stakeholders' forum. Current statistics at APM Terminals, concessionaires of the Apapa container terminal, which is the largest in the country, shows that close to 15,000 containers are still trapped at the terminal. Other congested terminals also have varying number of containers. Vessels waiting at anchorage to berth at APM Terminals have, however temporarily reduced to eight vessels from the usual average of 16 in the last few months. [DI 12/03/09]

Transport Minister Orders Rescinding Of Some Port Charges - 11/03/09
Transport minister Alhaji Ibrahim Bio has ordered the Nigerian Shippers Council [NSC] to enforce the termination of some port charges not approved by the government. The charges imposed by the terminal operators at the nation’s seaports are the off-dock facilities and bonded terminal fees. These include service charges, bank charges, turnover charges, concessionaire service charges, tally clerk, port administrative charges, ISPS Code charges and sorting charges.

The recommendation was contained in a report presented by Adamu Biu, chairman of the ministerial committee and Nigerian Shippers Council [NSC]. The committee was set up by the minister to examine the petition written by freight forwarders over arbitrary local charges by shipping companies and terminal operators. The committee noted that delivery charge and terminal handling charges are duplications, and therefore called for one to the dropped, while the other is negotiated and that the transfer charges placed on transferring containers from the terminal to off-dock facilities and bonded terminals should be negotiated in favour of the consignee. [BD 04/03/09 & NC 11/03/09]

Port Harcourt Port Terminal 'A' Ready for Business - March 2009
Ports and Terminal Operators Nigeria Limited [PTOL www.ptolnigeria.com] chairman, Chief Dennis Okafor has official commissioned the new office complex at Terminal 'A' Port Harcourt port. Costain [WA] has built a 500m long stacking area and access roads and Trevi Company for the 5m ocean reinforced quay walls.

NPA To Award Contract For Dredging Of Calabar Channel - 16/03/09
The Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] is set to award another contract for the dredging of the Calabar channel three years after initial dredging of the 84km channel. The initial contract executed by two Dutch dredging firms, Van Oord Nigeria [www.vanoord.com] and Jan-de Aul was aimed at reviving the dying Calabar port removing some 25m cubic metres of silt from the channel. Van Oord Nigeria dredged 40km along the channel from the port at US$26.5million, while Jan de-Aul was mandated to dredge 46km along the same channel for US$30million. Calabar, eastern Nigeria’s main port, is situated 83 km up the Calabar River in the Niger Delta. [NC 16/03/09]

Customs And Copyright Commission Team Up - 16/03/09
The Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] has concluded plans to team up with the Nigerian Copyright Commission [NCC www.nigcopyright.org] to share intelligence that would help combat counterfeiting and piracy. [TN 16/03/09]

Government Lifts Ban On Container Ships - March 2009
The Federal Government has lifted the ban on vessels entering the Nigerian seaport on 04/03/09 following an international outcry and the implication of the decision on the Nigerian economy. The Director of Maritime Services [Transport Ministry], Musa Karan was quoted as saying: “May I acknowledge the various measures being taken by the terminal operators and other stakeholders in support of government’s drive at

decongesting the ports. Government will keep a close watch of activities in the port industry to ensure adherence to development plan and objectives. In the meantime, and with respect to public opinion, government has lifted the temporary restriction on the issuance of ship entry notice to container vessels in view of the cost implications, and in line with international best practices.”

Electronic booking and scheduling of trucks planed for Apapa port - 09/03/09
Operators of Terminals C and D at the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa plan to commence electronic booking and scheduling of trucks into its facilities by April 1 this year as part of efforts towards better control of vehicular movement. ENL is the concessionaire at Terminal C and D [Note OTAL calls at APMT terminal, Apapa]. The new system is hoped to enhance the turnaround time of vessels and boost the delivery system at the terminal. As only business traffic should be in the area the move hopes to reduce drastically the number of trucks that ply Apapa port.

Nepza To Establish Warehouses In Neighbouring West African States - 06/03/09
The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority [NEPZA www.nepza.gov.ng] has revealed that it is to establish warehouses in Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso for easy access to international markets. The aim is to enhance the extension and development of free zones’ products to the region and beyond. The project will be undertaken in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council [www.nepcng.com] and NEPZA. The move is hoped to guarantee expanded markets for Nigerian products, which would in turn increase sales and exports to identified regional markets. [AA 06/03/09]

Nigeria: APM Terminal / Apapa - Berth 18 Closed For Crane Delivery - 05/03/09
Please note that APMT will introduce 4 brand new RTG (Rubber Tyred Gantry) mobile cranes. The vessel 'BBC PLATA' carrying the RTG has berthed but is yet to commence discharge of the equipment. As a result berth 16 will be re-opened for vessel traffic while berth 18 will be used to discharge and assemble the equipment.

Please click here for pictures of the vessel/equipment.

Yar'Adua Approves Duty Removal On Beverages, Noodles - 23/02/09
President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua has approved the removal of the 5% excise duty on non-alcoholic beverages, juices, and instant noodles introduced last October in order to lessen the burden on local manufacturers. [TD 23/02/09]

NDCC’s - Government Removes Major Barrier for Exporters - 17/02/09
The Federal Government has removed the bank guarantee requirement for exporters, giving them unfettered access to Negotiable Duty Credit Certificates [NDCC’s] in a bid to encourage export and stimulate the non-oil sector of the economy. The NDCC, also known as Export Expansion Grants [EEG], enables an exporter to offset part or whole of the Customs and Excise duties payable to the government. [TD 17/02/09]

River Niger Dredging - 02/02/09
Van Oord has been awarded a contract for dredging a navigation channel in the River Niger. The first phase comprises of capital dredging and construction of groins and installation of hundreds of navigation buoys. More than 500,000 tonnes of rock have to be handled. The second phase is scheduled to be two years maintenance dredging after completion of the first phase. Two cutter suction dredgers will be working together on the project. The total contract value amounts to EUR 125 million. [Van Oord 02/02/09]

Tony Anineh Appointed As New Chair Of Nigerian Ports Authority - 27/01/09
Former works minister Chief Tony Anenih has been appointed as the new chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority [NPA]. Alhaji Abdulkadir Kure, the immediate past governor of Niger State, is to be the new chairman of the governing board of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency; Mr Dumo Lulu-Briggs is the chairman of the National Maritime Academy and Mr Emmanuel Aguaria-Ewodo is the chairman of the Niger- Delta River Basin Authority. [TD 27/01/09]

Ports Decongestion Task Force To Move 15,000 Containers From Lagos - 21/01/09
Nigeria’s Task Force on Port Decongestion is set to remove over 15,000 abandoned containers at the Lagos ports. Wale Adeniyi, the national public relations officer of Nigeria Customs Service, said that the decision to move the containers was reached after a meeting held by the Customs Service, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the terminal operators and other stakeholders in Lagos. Mr Adeniyi said that the containers would be moved to the Ikorodu Terminal and other bonded terminals in Lagos where there are enough storage facilities. The containers would be moved amid heavy escorts and tight security by both Customs officers and the police. Adeniyi also said that government had decided that rather than impounding the containers, it would give concessions to the owners to clear them. President Umaru Yar’Adua had given a 60-day ultimatum in January to transport minister Alhaji Ibrahim Bio and finance minister Dr Mukhtar Mansur to ensure that the Lagos ports are decongested. [NC 21/01/09]

Transport Ministry Introduces Charges For Port Storage - 27/01/09
Transport minister Alhaji Ibrahim Isa Bio has endorsed the introduction of progressive storage charges to discourage importers from using the ports as storage facilities for containers. Transport ministry sources explained that the minister gave his backing to the measure at a meeting he held with key actors in the port system. Alhaji Bio is to revert as details of the storage penalty is still being finalized between the ministry and APM Terminals. Late last year, AP Moller Terminals waived about N1.5bn storage charges as an incentive for importers to take delivery of their containers at the ports. The waiver, which was commended by industry operators, was part of measures to decongest the ports. [NC 27/01/09]

Customs Agents Threaten To Withdraw Freight Services - 04/02/09
The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents [Ancla] has given the federal government a 72-hour ultimatum to address the deficiencies in port operations. Ancla is discontented with the operations of the concessionaires and shipping companies and the non-implementation of the communiqué issued at the recently concluded stakeholders’ forum. Ancla said it would withdraw all freight services at all the nation’s ports and borders as from 09/02/09 if the demand was not met. Demands include the complete removal/abolition of the container deposit charge and the prompt refund of container deposits. [PU 04/02/09]

Van Oord Wins Contract To Deepen Niger River - 04/02/09
Van Oord has been awarded a €125-million contract for dredging a 226km navigation channel in the River Niger from Warri to the train terminal in Baro in Central Nigeria. The project is being split into two phases and will start in September 2009. The first phase comprises capital dredging and construction of groynes and installation of hundreds of navigation buoys. The second phase will consist of 2-years of maintenance dredging after completion of the first phase. Two cutter suction dredgers will be working together on the project. [Dredging News 04/02/09]

Lagos State Government Road Project - 02/02/09
The Lagos State government is entering into a N90m project to improve the Ijora road link to the Lily Pond area of Apapa about 3-miles from the port. Access has been a big issue with transporters and clearing agents so this project will involve improving the access road to the terminal. There is increasing challenge to improve both road and rail connection from Apapa Port to the off dock terminal. [TN 02/02/09]

Government Insists Railway Contract With China Remains Suspended - 28/01/09
Nigeria’s federal government has not lifted the suspension of the US$8.2-billion railway contract awarded to Chinese companies according to transport minister Ibrahim Isa Bio.
“ I have been reading in the newspapers, reports which say that the railway contract with the Chinese firms had been revived. Far from it. I came in as a minister and what I met on my table is a contract that has been suspended. They have not been paid for 3-months. The contract of the team’s consultants is almost being terminated,” he added.

Government to begin repairing rail locomotives next month - 13/02/09
Transport minister Ibrahim Bio has announced that the repairing of 100 locomotive engines owned by the Nigerian Railway Corporation will commence in March. Alhaji Bio said that a blueprint for the job has already been drawn up. He added: “By next month, repairs of the locomotive engines and the narrow gauge will commence.” The minister, who said that a train service from Lagos to Kano would become functional very soon, expressed the government’s commitment to revitalise the nation’s transport system. [TD 13/02/09]

Government To Proceed With Railway Rehabilitation Plan - 19/01/08
The federal government has rescinded its decision to suspend the execution of the US$8.5bn contract for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s railways. Transport minister Alhaji Ibrahim Bio, said the government had now decided that the project cannot be abandoned at this stage and as such should be reactivated. He said the government’s policy reversal came after 5-hours of meeting with the Chinese firm, CCECC and the consultants handling the project. A team of experts agreed that while the present narrow gauge rail tracks will not be abandoned, any new track will be the modern, faster and conventional standard gauge rail tracks. A similar committee of experts raised by the ministry under the immediate former minister, had faulted the implementation of the railway project on the grounds that the contract did not follow due process, recommending instead that government undertakes the rehabilitation of the existing narrow gauge rail line. [TD 19/01/08]

World Bank To Help With Development Of E-Payments In Maritime - 06/01/09
The Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding [CRFFN] is to partner the World Bank to develop epayments for all transactions in the maritime sector. Iju Tony Nwabunike, the chairman of the council, explained that the World Bank would provide the necessary technology for a swipe card, which would be used to access other operational areas in the ports. The swipe card would be used for payment of port related bills such duty on imported goods, demurrage and others. Identity cards would be issued to registered members.

Nwabunike explained that the council would work closely with the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA], Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] and other agencies operating in the port to ensure that the objective is achieved. According to him: “When the e-card becomes operational before the end of the first quarter of 2009, it would greatly reduce the problem of corruption and eliminate every means of revenue leakages in the port. The package to be provided by the World Bank would be linked to the Ministry of Finance, the Auditor-General's office, Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN], Internal Revenue office and all other relevant government arm that are revenue generating centers for government.”

Nwabunike noted that government is cheated of its accruable fund through none payment of duty on goods which are mostly contraband for which NPA and other charges are paid but fake documents are used for import duty. When this happens he continued, there is formally no way to know but with the e-payment to be introduced by government bearing government approval, every payment would be captured automatically until the entire payment to be made on a consignment is completed. Once all payments are not made each arm connected with the collection of revenue in the clearance system could then ask why payment was not made to it for that particular consignment which is lacking presently. [NC 06/01/09]

MSC Vessel Gets Stock Enroute To Lagos Port - 15/01/09
A vessel belonging to the Mediterranean Shipping Company [MSC] has got stuck and grounded at Bull Nose in the Lagos Channel on 12/01/09. MSC Rhone is laden with 450TEU. The vessel was sailing to the Port and Cargo Handling Company’s terminal at the Tin Can Island Port Complex. The vessel was out of the normal channel approach, the reasons for the grounding are still under investigation. Despite lightening of some containers and the efforts of tugs to pull her clear, the vessel remains grounded. [15/01/09]

Nigeria: President Yar’Adua Demands That Ports Be Decongested Within 60 Days / Task Force Set Up - 06/01/09
President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has told the maritime and transport authorities to decongest the nation’s sea ports within 60 days. Alhaji Ibrahim Bio, Nigeria’s transport minister and finance minister Dr Mansur Muktar have been directed to take far-reaching decisions on the issue. A stakeholders’ meeting was held in Lagos on 06/01/09, attended by the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority Mallam Abdulsalam Mohammed, the comptroller-general of the Nigeria Customs Service Alhaji Hamman Ahmed, the director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Dr Ade Dosunmu, and terminal operators.

A communique immediately followed stating that in order to ensure the integrity in the clearing process, with effect from 01/04/09 the Nigerian Customs should ensure that manifests received from shipping companies, in addition to current information, should contain consignee's full name and address. Additionally a task force is to be set up to remove impediments that resulted in port congestion over the last four months. This committee is due to come into force not later than 12/01/09, and should commence operations before 19/01/09.

It will then have 45 days from the commencement of its operations to complete the task. It will, amongst others, conduct 100% physical examination of containers, which have no Form M, Risk Assessment Report and observe concealment, untrue and false declarations, assess and value them in terms of quantity, value and rating. It will also issue demand notes and collect appropriate custom duty to enable the prompt release of the goods. To this end, consignees have been invited to come forward and clear their goods within the period or face the full provision of the law thereafter. On overtime cargo, the communiqué noted all cargo over 90 days would be disposed of by an overtime cargo disposal committee to be constituted by the Government All shipping companies are required to ship their empty containers out of the port immediately.

Current efforts are underway to ensure that all container carriers have adequate holding bay capacity off-dock. In this regard, all such carriers should within a period of 90 days effective from 12/01/09 establish such off-dock facilities with a capacity to handle at least 150% of their import volume. It was also resolved that all terminal operators would have to operate a policy that allows for consolidation for export for not more than 7 days before loading. To this end, defaulting shipping companies are to be appropriately penalised, including non-berthing of vessels. On demurrage, it was also resolved that all shipping companies should waive all demurrage for containers stemmed but not yet transferred to bonded terminals.
Stakeholders are expected to reconvene in a month's time to assess the progress made.

With reference to Lagos congestion please note that the Nigerian Port Autority [NPA] have noted that as of yesterday 60 vessels [25 ships and 35 tankers] are presently awaiting berthing space whilst 80 more are expected to arrive in the next 2-weeks. The 25 vessels are split: 10 container ships / 6 fish / 4 bulk cement, sugar, salt and wheat / 3 used vehicles / 1 general cargo / 1 ethanol. [TD 06/01/09 & TD 07/01/09]

Nigeria: Customs To Seize Under-Declared Goods - 06/01/09
Nigeria’s federal government will henceforth seize all goods imported into the country that are under-declared by importers as part of new efforts to tackle the problem of port congestion. According to the Nigeria Customs Circular No: 26/2008, the government has given a 2-week grace to all importers engaged in the under-declaration of imported goods to rectify the under declared goods or have their goods seized or forfeited to government. The circular blames over 80% of port congestion on the discrepancies in the declaration of imported goods and mandates all shipping companies to submit manifests to the Nigeria Customs. Meanwhile stakeholders are to meet with government officials to find a lasting solution to the perennial crisis of port congestion. [Source: TD 05/01/09]

New Transport Minister Orders Decongestion Of Lagos Ports - 28/12/08
Nigeria’s federal government has ordered that the Lagos ports be decongested immediately. Ibrahim Bio, the new transport minister, issued the directive in Lagos during his maiden tour of the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports. He directed that the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] must carry out the order jointly with the concessionaires, clearing agents and other port operators. The minister also directed that a work plan on the sanitisation of the port should be submitted by the NPA to his office. [TN 28/12/08]

New Acting Comptroller-General - Customs - December 2008
Bernard Shaw Nwadialor has been appointed as the new acting Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service [NCS]. Nwadialor replaces Hamman Ahmed who has retired having reached the age of 60. Nwadialor immediately called on importers to quickly clear their goods with or without the Risk Assessment Report as the task force on port decongestion comes into action.

Migfo And Denca Services To Jointly Manage Tin Can Island Port Terminal C - 23/12/08
The long drawn legal battle over the management of Terminal C at Tin Can Island Port has been resolved in favour of Migfo Nigeria and Denca Services. Both companies were excluded in the management of the concession following a contentious equity shareholding dispute. However, in a ruling the Federal Court of Appeal, in Lagos has affirmed the decision of the Federal High Court that the concession be jointly managed. [TN 23/12/08]

Nigeria Scores Low In Cargo Clearance At Ports - NACCIMA - 18/12/08
According to the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture [NACCIMA] it still takes a frustrating minimum of 14-25 days to clear goods at the nations ports, contrary to the 48 hours promised by the Customs sometime ago. In fact the dwell time is around 35 days and shows no sign of improvement. When compared to the 7-days it takes to clear cargo in neighbouring Togo and Benin, the system needs to be re-evaluated. NACCIMA has called on the government to abolish the payment of the remaining 0.5% NESS [Non-oil Export levy], which is currently paid to pre-shipment inspection [PSI] agents. [BD 18/12/08]

Lagos State Government And Siemens Discuss Railway Network - 12/12/08
The Lagos State government is in talks with the multipurpose German firm Siemens about the construction of rail transportation in Lagos. A rail transport system is part of the government’s plan to ensure traffic decongestion in the Lagos Metropolis. The project also constitutes part of the plan of turning Lagos into a megacity. Waclaw Lukowicz, the managing director of Siemens Nigeria, said the government has not made any concrete statement on awarding the contract to his company but he assured the Lagos State government that it would get value for its money should Siemens win the contract. [TN 12/12/08]

Afdb Lends Nigeria, Cameroon US$280 Million For Express Road - 06/12/08
The African Devepment Bank [AfDB www.afdb.org] has lent Nigeria and Cameroon US$280 million to finance a road project linking the two western African nations. The objective of the project is to contribute to the regional integration, increase trade and strengthen cooperation between Cameroon and Nigeria and between ECOWAS and CEMAC markets. About 11 million people in both countries are expected to benefit from this project.

The present program concerns the rehabilitation/reconstruction of the Highway from Enugu-Abakaliki- Ogoja Junction- Ikom Mfum in Nigeria to Ekok- Mamfe- Batibo in Cameroon and Transport facilitation between Enugu and Bamenda. The Program will have 4-components, namely the Reconstruction and/or Rehabilitation of the Corridor Road, Ancillary Works, Transport and Transit Facilitation Measures, and Program Management. [RT 06/12/08]

Nigeria To Dredge Lower Niger - 02/12/08
The Government has signed a N34.8billion contract for the dredging of the Lower Niger. The project will cover about 572km which stretches from Warri in Delta State to Baro in Niger State. Minister of Transportation, Deziani Allison-Madueke, who signed the agreement on behalf of the government, said the project was divided into 5-sections and awarded to five different contracting firms to ensure that they were completed within the stipulated time. The duration of the the project is 1-year with a 2-year maintenance agreement. The 154km dredging from Warri to Bifurcation of Farcados and River Nun was awarded to Fung Tai at the cost of N4.8billion, while the 116km bifurcation of Farcados and River Nun to Onitsha, Anambra State was awarded to Dredging International at a sum of N3.8billion. 'This will open up a completely new realm of possibilities, in terms of inland waterways and in terms of navigability, transportation, commerce and industry in the areas along the lower River Niger' she said. [PU 02/12/08]

Dry Ports Takes-Off in Aba - 01/12/08
Hope seems to have been raised for the take-off of the much desired dry port projects as construction work will soon commence in one of the six dry ports in the country, the Isiala Ngwa Inland Container Depot [ICD]. Eastgate are to be the concessionaires of the depot with work expected to be completed within 30 months. [VAN 01/12/08]

Congestion - Importers Get N1.5 Billion Waiver - 24/11/08
In a bid to ease cargo congestion in Lagos ports, it has been reported that the management of APM terminals Apapa, has announced a waiver on storage penalties totalling over N1.5 billion. Lund Hansan met with the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents [ANLCA] and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders [NAGAFF]. Aiming to reduce clearance time and congestion in the Nigeria's ports it was announced that the company would waive the penalty on storage of containers which stay beyond the normal 3-days in port. The announcement noted the following:

• APM Terminals new storage penalty rates remain in force
• For containers collected from APM Terminals Apapa before 31/12/08 all storage days before 01/10/08 are charged at the old rate.
• The increase is waived for all days prior to 01/10/08
• For days after 01/10/08 the new rate applies and for containers incurred so that days of storage before 01/10/08 are only charged at the old rates.

It was also reported that the progressive storage penalty which increases from N1500 in the first 7-days, through N3,000 in the second 7-days to N6,000 in the subsequent days has been waived by the company for any importer who comes to clear his containers before the end of the year. Hansan also commented that the re-occurring congestion in the port is as a result of long 'dwell time' of consignments in the port which at present is about 28 days even as the Nigeria customs service [NCS] is talking of 48 hours clearance time. [DC 24/11/08]

Latest on Lagos Port Congestion - 24/11/08

  • Tincan congestion is 9 /10 days
  • There are 5 vessels currently at anchorage
  • Berth 3 in TICT has been closed since 01/10/08 with no certain date for re-opening [out of 3 berths available]
  • Tincan B/L is now being allocated to off dock by TICT to reduce block stacking problems.
  • Tug availability is uncertain, Vessels up to 10 m and above are restricted to berth at Tincan and Apapa port at night.
  • Congestion has become so worrisome that ships have to wait at the anchor for days and weeks to berth as a result of congestion.
  • Containers yet to be cleared constitute problems such that there is no room for new ones to be offloaded from ship.
  • There is now even a scarcity of trucks to carry containers at the port, as empty containers that are returned to the port take time to be offloaded from the trucks because of lack of space at the port.
  • All shipping lines affected by this development.

Please click here for photographs of the recent port congestion.

Congestion: BPE Blames Port Congestion On Multiple Agencies - 19/11/08
Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises [BPE], Irene Chigbue, has argued that the congestion at the nation's ports is due to the large number of government agencies active there and not the terminal operators. She noted that there are currently 20 governmental agencies working within the port. Making the observation at the 2-day World Bank Privatisation Support Project [PSP], Stakeholders Workshop in Abuja, the BPE boss noted that when the BPE undertook study tours of successful ports in other countries, there was none with such a plethora of agencies at ports. [LD 19/11/08]

NRC Resumes P/H-Kano, Lagos/Kano Routes - 19/11/08
The Nigeria Railway Corporation [NRC] has reopened its Port-Harcourt-Kano and Lagos-Kano routes which were suspended early this year. The routes were reopened following repairs carried out on the washed out and damaged tracks. [Triumph 19/11/08]

Yar'Adua Approves 30% Reduction in Port Charges To Regulatory Agencies / Reduces Operating Agencies - 10/11/08
A strategic step towards addressing the status of Nigeria’s seaports as one of the most expensive in the world was taken on 04/11/08 with the reduction of service charges importers pay to regulatory agencies by 30%. Special taxes such as 5% sugar levy, 50% rice development levy, textile levies, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) terminal charges, plant hire charges amongst others have been scrapped while the number of regulatory and specialized agencies operating at the ports has been reduced from 15 to 5. 

Approved Agencies:
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),
Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS),
National Food and Drugs Administration & Control (NAFDAC),
Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON)
Nigeria Agriculture Quarantine Society (NAQS).
The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nigerian Maritime Authority (NMA) and others would only be invited as the need arose.

The Yar'Adua administration has however, retained the port development levy, which will be used strictly for ports development, especially provision of infrastructure. These approvals followed the 84 recommendations of an Inter-ministerial Committee on 48-hour clearance of goods from the ports across the country chaired by the Finance Minister Shamsuddeen Usman. The committee was set up to facilitate trade at the ports and make them more competitive. Many recommendations will be implemented immediately and those that require legislation before implementation will have to be referred to the National Assembly for legal backing.

Please note that many of these points are subject to further input from the parties concerned before final enactment. With particular reference to the NPA [and cuts] our local agancy is holding a meeting with the Director of the NPA on 11/11/08. An update will follow therafter.

Customs Orders Suspension of Business at Lagos Free Trade Zone - October 2008
The Comptroller General [CG] of the Nigerian Customs Service [NCS], Hamman Bello Ahmed, has ordered suspension of operations at the Lagos Free Trade Zone [LFTZ] in Lekki. The customs boss said the management of the zone had broken rules by starting business activities without the completion of necessary infrastructure such as gates, perimeter fencing and necessary security. This he declared was in contravention of Act 18 of NEXA which says that before an operation can commence in a free trade zone, there must be secured gates and perimeter fencing of the zone. The customs boss consequently directed that shipments of containers from the ports should be stopped immediately while duties should be paid on the consignments already shipped into the zone except the ones with construction equipments.The CG also went visited the Niger Dock [Snake Island] where he also ordered the management of the island to erect perimeter fencing.

Nigeria Customs Service Receive Terminal - October 2008
The Nigeria Ports Authority has formally handed over its Ikorodu Lighter Terminal to the Nigeria Customs Service, comprising 14.8ha of paved yard and 1.2ha of warehousing space. It is envisaged that the use of the terminal will help relieve the congestion at the port of Apapa.

FG Suspends $8.3 Billion Chinese Rail Contract - October 2008
According to local reports Nigeria has suspended the controversial US$8.3 billion contract awarded to a Chinese firm. The contract awarded to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation [CCECC] in 2006 has been suspended whilst Nigeria's Transport Ministry has taken control of work on the 1,315km line that links southern Lagos to northern Kano, adding it would take about 90 days to "redefine" the terms of the contract. President Umaru Yar'Adua administration had discovered that the contract was over inflated. There is also a possibility the review may affect CRCC's involvement in developing a free trade zone in Lagos. This arrangement was agreed last year during a visit to Nigeria by Li Yuanchao, Communist party
chief of eastern Jiangsu province. It may also put in jeopardy a US$300 million road project in Nigeria that CRCC had also clinched under the former administration.

The CRCC said project work done so far had already been paid for by the Nigerians and that it is still in the preliminary construction stage. The Lagos-Kano line accounts for almost 14% of the total value of CRCC's outstanding contracts. The deal was backed by former Nigerian president Olusegun Obasanjo and was clinched in the run-up to a China-Africa summit held in Beijing in late 2006.

Nafdac Clamps Down on Importers, Exporters of Substandard Goods - 29/10/08
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC] has warned that it will no longer tolerate the importation of substandard products into Nigeria and will also not allow the exportation of substandard products out of the country. All products certified by the agency currently meet both national and CODEX Alimentarius standards [www.codexalimentarius.net]. NAFDAC reiterated all necessary permits for export must be obtained and that the Agency routinely carries out tests on both locally manufactured and imported products. [VAN 29/10/08]

OTAL News: Nigeria - Partial Closure Of Main Apapa Port Road - 22/10/08
From 23/10/08, part of the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway, the artery to the nation's leading ports of Tin Can Island and Apapa - as well as the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, will be closed to traffic. The expressway is also part of the Trans-African-highway. The artery also leads to one of the busiest border posts at Seme. Closure will allow the Lagos State Government to carry out construction of the Okota-Itire Overhead Link Bridge. The closure, which will be in three phases, will last for 120 days. [During the first 45 days, closure will affect Oshodi-bound traffic, while the reverse will hold in the next 45 days, affecting Apapa-bound traffic. The final 30 days will be for the completion of structural works after piling had been completed on both sides of the expressway.] The closure comes barely a fortnight after the Third Mainland Bridge was re-opened [Closed for repairs 02/08/08 - 29/09/08]. We expect the shutdown to have a huge impact on vehicular traffic to and from the port. Heavy congestion/delays are to be expected.

Freight Forwarders Oppose Lagos Landing Fees Proposal - 09/10/08
There is apprehension among freight forwarders in the maritime industry over moves by the Lagos State government to impose wharf landing fees on goods imported into Nigeria.
To discuss this issue the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Finance, held a 1-day public hearing on the Lagos State Wharf Landing Fee Bill on 26/09/08. The Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents [ANLCA], Dayo Azeez, expressed "freight forwarders are opposed to wharf landing fees on imported goods. It is an unwelcome
development because it would add more to the cost of clearing cargoes. Presently, importers are complaining that the ports are not user-friendly, it is too expensive and causes the diversion of cargoes to neighbouring countries. It is going to affect the economy. Whatever the importer pays, he is going to collect it back from the end-user. Importers pay import duty, 7% levy, 0.5% ECOWAS levy, 5% VAT; 1% CIFF to inspection agents; he pays shipping companies charges, pay terminal operators charges, pay government agencies…"

Meanwhile the Federal Government has set up an inter-ministerial task force to review some charges, levies and rates in the Nigerian ports due to the number of complaints received from importers and freight forwarders following the concession of the ports in 2006. The concessioning exercise had aimed to reduce the cost of doing business by 30% however instead of bringing the cost down, terminal operators were alleged to have introduced additional charges as well as increase the cost of their operations.

While defending the new fees, Chairman House Committee on Finance, Adeola Olamilekan, said the fees charged are to help the state create an enabling environment through infrastructural development for businesses to thrive. Consignments of goods imported by sea and transported from any port of entry into any local government area of Lagos State would be charged wharf landing fees if the bill is signed into law by the State governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola. Under the schedule, a-40 feet container attracts N1,000 fees, 20 feet container would be charged N500. For any other container smaller than 20 feet, the fee is N300. The fee payable on a car is N300, sports utility vehicles pays N500 while truck or other heavy duty motor vehicles attracts N1,000 The law also empowers authorized agents of the local governments to stop any vehicle conveying imported goods, from any ports, demand the amount due and issue an official receipt. Some category of goods including those belonging to an agency of a foreign, federal or Lagos State governments are exempted from the taxes on the provision of a written evidence of such ownership.

The law also stipulated fines for persons who contravene its provisions. In the case of a company, it shall be liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 in addition to the wharf landing fees. Individuals would be liable on conviction to a fine of N100, 000 in addition to the wharf landing fees. [DI 09/10/08]

FEC Approves N.5 Billion for Cleaning of Lagos Ports - 09/10/08
The Federal Executive Council [FEC] has approved the contract for the second phase of removal of wrecks and derelicts within Lagos Ports [Commodore Poll to Port Novo Creeks] at the sum of US$5.1-million to Messrs Under-Water Engineering Nigeria Ltd. The wrecks breach the International Maritime Organisation [IMO] Convention on Safety of Life at Sea [SPLA 74] to which Nigeria is a signatory. The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMSA] only last month removed a wreck in the Ibafon area bringing the total number so far cleared from the Lagos area since 2007 to 45. [TD 09/10/08]

Storage Penalties - 09/10/08
AMPT have decided to increase storage charges for containers residing in the port for over 10 days effective 01/10/08. Please find official details by clicking here.

Ferma, FRSC to Erect Toll Gates at Border Posts - 02/10/08
The Federal Road Maintenance Agency [FERMA] and the Federal Road Safety Commission [FRSC] are to establish toll gates at all Nigerian border posts in order to collect the international vehicle transit charge. FERMA is engaging the services of the FRSC to analyse vehicles inflow from the international borders, as well as the revenue implications of the venture. FERMA has completed study on about 65 border routes, where the toll gates are to be erected, adding that the projected revenue to be generated from the operations of the toll has been put at N10billion per annum. [TD 02/10/08]

NPA To Dredge Lagos, Onne Channels - 01/10/08
To allow larger vessels into Nigeria's territorial waters, the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA], has entered into a joint venture agreement with the Lagos Channel Management [www.lcmnigeria.com] and the Bonny Channel Management to carry out the dredging of the Lagos Channel and the Onne Channel respectively. The companies have been formed in partnership with two foreign firms [Dutch and Belgian] reputed in modern channels dredging with a joint share-holding ratio of 60:40 for NPA and the strategic foreign partners. The companies shall operate as subsidiaries of NPA. The primary object of these two firms will be to continuously clear seaports channels in the western and eastern zones of debris and silt which impede smooth movement of vessels.

The intention is to deepen the waterways to between 13.5 and 14.5 metres draught, so as to enable more modern and bigger ocean-going vessels to sail in and out of the Lagos axis including Apapa and Badagry creeks. During the first year of dredging operations, it is hoped to attain 11.5 metres level along the creek before eventually increasing it to the required depth being demanded by the shipping companies participating in the port concession bidding rounds. For example, the area around Flour Mills at the Apapa – Marina water front is already being deepened to a draught expected to hit the 14.5 metres mark before long.

Already the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company [NLNG] has indicated preference for deeper channels in line with the stipulations of the Visual Landing System [VLS] along the Port Harcourt axis. This multi-million dollar natural gas company with over 6 modern gas carriers has specially requested deeper and continuous dredging of the Bonny channel to cater for its heavily-laden vessels. The Bonny Channel Management Ltd has started to improve on the Bonny / Port Harcourt channel as it re-laid 28 buoys in 5-months and undertook channel maintenance dredging to 11.5 metres. The company is now trying to remove wrecks from the same channel.

Information from NPA shows that the dredging schedule being targeted by the new firms are capital and periodic maintenance dredging, replacement of navigational buoys, pollution monitoring and training of indigenous hands. Prior to the inauguration of the dredging outfits, Continental Shipyard Ltd was the major joint venture subsidiary whose activities supported NPA’s few dredging ships. Further to dredging other challenges currently facing the NPA include the absence of heavy bulk terminals to handle iron ore and other heavy raw materials as well as transport interconnectivity where terminals are not well connected with other modes of transportation. Though Lagos and Port Harcourt are connected by rail, they are not currently functioning. The rail connection project to the Federal Ocean Terminal [FOT] Onne, has been abandoned. Similarly, the rail connection from Ajaokuta to Aladja does not seem to have factored in a connection to Warri port. [DT 01/10/08]

Nigeria Government Used Cars Ban Extended From 8 To 10 Years, Reduces Tariffs on Raw Materials - 26/09/08
According to local reports the Nigerian Federal Government on 25/09/08 extended the ban on the importation of used cars from eight to ten years under a new tariff regime. [Buses and trucks, no matter their age, are, however, excluded from the prohibition list.] The Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs, Hammeed Bello Ahmed declared the ban whilst unveiling the new 2008-2012 Nigeria Customs and Excise Tariff Book. The 2008-2012 tariff book is an attempt by Nigeria to harmonise its tariff regime with the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) .
The 2008-2012 book has five categorys as follows: [Note: Importation of primary raw materials has been reduced from 10% to 5% & imports of finished goods that can be manufactured locally have been slashed from 50% to 35%.]

Category 0 (0%) for necessities such as educational materials while category
Category 1 (5%) for primary raw materials
Category 2 (10%) are for intermediate products like CKD refrigerators, CKD television
Category 3 (20%) is for finished goods that are not produced locally and which require no protection such as television, refridgerators and generators
Category 4 (35%) is for finished goods that are manufactured locally and which requires some protection in the interest of promoting local industries.

The new tariffs take immediate effect.

Prohibited Items:
Beer and stout;
plastics in the form of forks, spoons, toothpicks;
retreated and used tyres;
cases, boxes, cartons made from corrugated materials;
foot-wears, suitcases, sports wears.
Furniture items of any type, except baby walker
textile fabrics English Wax, Ankara, Lace fabrics
wedding gowns and ceremonial apparels
second hand clothes
rugs and carpets
recharge cards

Please click here for the official notice from the Federal Ministry of Finance on fiscal policy measures and tariff amendments.

Nimasa Plans Cargo - 14/09/08
Support Scheme The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] is to establish a public cargo support scheme to enable indigenous ship operators to gain more cargoe. The Director- General of NIMASA, Dr Ade Dosunmu, said this at a seminar on " Correcting the Imbalance in Wet Cargo Affreightment", organised by Maritime Reporters' Association of Nigeria [MARAN]. When operational, the scheme is expected to pool all public sector generated cargoes and make them available to Nigerian carriers. Dosunmu noted affected cargoes included public sector contracts/projects; government-assisted schemes, development assistance and aid cargoes. Today 18.7 million tonnes, excluding crude oil, is shipped annually at Nigerian ports, however only 6% is carried by Nigerian flag vessels. When crude oil is included, this figure drops to 1% of the total trade. The NIMASA Act 2007 has provided the agency with the legal framework for implementing the cargo support scheme. The agency is now making all necessary arrangements to articulate workable modalities and guidelines for the scheme. [DT 14/09/08]

APMT Terminal Cranes Installed - 12/09/08
APMT terminal in Lagos is expecting to install a further 2-mobile cranes this October to improve productivity. 2- Liebherr 500 units will arrive at the end of week 38 and are expected to be operational by mid-October. You may remember APMT imported 4 cranes from USA back at the end of May. We reported that the 4th crane crashed in June and this will now be scrapped. In fact local reports indicate that these units will not be in operation until early November 2008. [CMA-CGM Delmas Nigeria 12/09/08]

Nafdac Reels Out New Regulation on Importation - 11/09/08
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control [NAFDAC www.nafdacnigeria.org] has said with immediate effect new rules and regulations will be implemented to guide importation, registration and marketing of food, drugs and cosmetic products in Nigeria. NAFDAC Director General, Professor Dora Akunyili noted that the agency has also increased default fines to N5million [previously N1million]. [TD 11/09/08]

Toll Gate System To Be Reinstated? - 03/09/08
Local reports state that the Nigerian government has concluded plans to reerect tollgates across the country as a way of raising funds to maintain roads, many of which are in total disrepair. If it goes ahead, this would amount to a reversal of a decision taken in 2004 by the former president Obasanjo's administration to pull down toll gates across the country. [DT 03/09/08]

Contractor Fails to Meet Deadline on Lokoja Port Project - 28/08/08
The contractor handling the construction of the N2.3 billion Lokoja port has failed to come up with a plan to ensure completion of the project, after a 7-day ultimatum by the Federal Government lapsed. John Emeka, the Minister of State for Transportation, gave the ultimatum on 14/08/09, when he visited the project site in Lokoja to assess the progress of work, warning the government would no longer fold its hands. The contract for the project was awarded in April 2007 by the Federal Government, and was expected to be completed within 18 months. The contractor had been paid a N580 million mobilisation fee. [LD 28/08/08]

Transport Ministry Gets New Maritime Services Boss - 21/08/08
The Federal Government has appointed Musa Tugga Karam as the new Director of Maritime Services replacing Faruk Buba. [DC 21/08/08]

Lekki Free Trade Zone Rakes in $1.5 Billion Investment - 14/08/08
In a bid to attain a robust free trade zone of international standard, the promoters of Lekki Free Trade Zone [LFTZ], Lekki Worldwide Investments Limited [LWIL], has signed an investment fund agreement to the tune of US$1.5 billion with its US-based partner, AYR Logistics. Managing Director of LWIL, Tajudeen Disu, said the 16,500ha Lagos-based free trade zone which is the same as Calabar free trade zone and Tinapa Business Resort, will have a deep sea port, coast road with access to the free zone, hotels, airport, light rail and a mono-rail. Before the year is out LWIL is also expected to sign another contract to the tune of US$153 million as part of its financial engineering of the Lekki project including 10 new roads.

Disu also hinted that the Lagos-based company is in conjunction with its financial partners to create borrowing incentives for willing investors in the zone to borrow from and to this end, Credit Swiss have provided $5 million to the company because of the potentials of the zone. Meanwhile Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, has undertook an extensive inspection tour of the LFTZ, reiterating that the state government is poised to provide infrastructure that would enable the zone kick off. The governor said he has received assurance from the project managers that by mid- September 2008 the full development plans to complete drainage, roads, gates and office complexes of the Customs, Immigration and all related control issues would be ready. The Consular-General of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Guo Kun also noted that China is very much interested in the LFTZ project. [LD 05/08/08 &
14/08/08]

Sod Turning: Ibadan Dry Port Project - 12/08/08
The Minister of Transportation, Prince John Okechukwu Emeka, has inaugurated the Ibadan dry port project in Erunmu, Oyo State at a sod turning ceremony. There are now four dry ports sites under construction in Nigeria. [TD 12/08/08]

House Committee Wants Concession of Apapa Terminal C Revisited - 06/08/08
The House of Representatives Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation has stated that Michelle Ltd, is the rightful owner of the Apapa Port Terminal C. The House has consequently asked the Bureau for Public Enterprise [BPE] to revoke its the concession to ENL and hand the terminal over to the rightful owner. The House Committee on Privatisation, which conducted an investigative public hearing on the issue, following several petitions against the process, said "this is a clear case of policy and position paper failure." [TD 06/08/08]

Nigerian Rail Project In Doubt - 02/08/08
Irregularities have reportedly been discovered in a contract to reconstruct Nigeria’s main north to south rail line, from Kano to Lagos. The project is the centrepiece of plans to rehabilitate the Nigerian railway network, but an investigation is being held into the US$8.3 billion contract awarded to the Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation [CCECC]. A number of infrastructure contracts agreed during the final two years of President Obasanjo’s second term of office are being reassessed by the new government of President Umaru Yaro Adua.

For its part CCECC is unhappy over lack of payment to date. A company VP, Chen Xiaoxing, said: “The contract provided for an advance payment of US$1.1356 billion from the federal government of Nigeria, but so far we have been paid only US$250 million, in March 2007”. The original contract for the 1315-km long railway was signed in October 2006. CCECC has also refuted accusations in the Nigerian press that the contract fee was too high. The Chinese firm issued the following statement: “The international average construction cost per kilometre is about US$3.5 million, whereas the cost per kilometre on the Lagos to Kano line comes to about US$3.04 million for double track. [WCN 02/08/08]

Lagos Crane Collapses: Apapa Terminal - 19/07/08
On Saturday 12/07/08 a crane collapsed at the APM Terminals’ Apapa concession in Lagos. The crane is one of the four secondhand units recently installed at the port, which were purchased from the US port of Charleston as an interim measure pending the installation of new cranage. The boom landed on a Maersk boxship [2001-built, 2,506 teu, German-flagged Santa Alina] and will have to be removed from its deck.The accident happened during a boom down operation, in which the crane wasn’t moving containers. The boom did not detach from the main structure. Impact: Some vessels are backed up and unable to berth until the crane is removed.

China To Build Port Harcourt Ring Road - 13/07/08
One of China’s top engineering firms has signed a US$1 billion deal to build a road around the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt. China Harbour Engineering Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Finance Corporation (AFC) for the road during a visit to China by Nigerian local government and AFC officials. The AFC also said that the State Grid Corporation of China would upgrade the region’s electricity generation, transmission and distribution system. China depends on Africa for about 30% of oil imports and has invested in the two top producers, Nigeria and Angola. [RTRS 13/07/08]

Government Urges Bayelsa to Establish Sea Port - 07/07/08
According to the Minister of Commerce and Industry Engr. Charles Ogwu, the Federal Government has made that arrangements for the development of a Port in Bayelsa State to boost the economic potentials of the State and the entire Southern region. Brass has been muted as the preferred site to enhance industrialisation of the area. [DT 07/07/08]

Customs Inaugurates Committee On 48-Hour Clearance - 07/07/08
The Nigerian Customs Service [NCS] has inaugurated a committee for the actualisation of the 48-hour clearance time for goods. The committee, which comprises of 82 officers, will be tasked with the job of ensuring that goods that are coming into the country are cleared without unnecessary delays at the points of entry and to avoid over congestion. [LD 07/07/08]

APM Terminal Commissioned - 01/07/08
Nigeria President Umaru Musa YarAdua has commissioned the modernized Apapa Container Terminal, Lagos, part of the APM Terminals Global Terminal Network on 19/06/08. Since assuming control of the facility a year ago, APM has invested more than US$75 million in terminal modernization and expansion, including the delivery last month of 4 reconditioned Panamax gantry cranes [RTGs] supplied by Cargotec Services [www.cargotecservices.com], doubling the facilities terminal handling capacity. A reported agreement between APM Terminals and Nigerian Ports Authority will also mean that the channels are expected to be dredged in return for the provision of aforementioned equipment. ACT handled 450,000 TEUs in 2007, with volume projected to grow 20% in 2008, as vessel calls have already grown and monthly container traffic has nearly doubled from 22,000 TEUs to 42,000 TEUs. [01/07/08]

AfDB Approves US$85m For Lekki Road Project - 19/06/08
The African Development Bank [AfDB] Group has approved a loan of up to US$ 85 million to help finance the upgrade/rehabilitation of Lekki to Epe expressway, linking Victoria Island with the Lekki peninsula in Lagos. The project consists of upgrading, widening and tolling of the existing 49.5km long expressway. The project sponsors, Asset and Resource Management Ltd is partnering with Larue Projects Ltd. [LD 19/06/08]

Govt To Conduct EIA In Lekki / Feature Interview: Lekki Port - 05/06/08
Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited [LWIL], Tajudeen Disu, has said the state government is to commence an Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] in the Lekki Free Trade Zone [LFTZ]. LWIL is engaged as a private company to promote and manage the development of the free trade zone.

The Lekki Free Trade Zone, which covers an area of about 16,500 hectares, was launched by the government in 2004 as part of its transformation programmes. The LFTZ is proposed to be split into oil and gas, logistics park, light and heavy industrial and manufacturing, media centre, urban and residential zones. Congestion witnessed at the Lagos ports means any plan to shift the import/export business from the crowded Apapa port town will be a welcome one. This is exactly what the management of Lekki Port Enterprises have in the pipeline for the US$750m port to be located at the town of Lekki in Lagos.

Following is an interview with the Project Director in charge of the building of the new port, Peter Banham, on his company's plans for the port, when it is expected to come on stream, the benefit to the country, source of funding and many other issues... click here to read on...

FG Moves to Reduce Ports Charges - 05/06/08
Faced with cut-throat competition from neighbouring countries along the West African coast, the federal government has set in motion machinery to reduce charges in the nation’s ports with a view to making them more attractive to importers... click here to read on...

New Customs Boss Lays Out Eight-Point Agenda - 05/06/08
The new comptroller general [CGC] of the Nigeria Customs Service [NCS www.customs.gov.ng] Hamman Bello Ahmed has laid out at an 8-point agenda on which the service is to be anchored in the future. Following his appointment by President Yar-adua on 27/05/08, he also pledged commitment of the actualisation of the 48-hour clearance time on goods. To this end the success of the Automated Systems of Customs Data [ASYCUDA] will be very crucial to the customs administration. [LD 05/06/08]

Four Gantry Cranes For Apapa Port - 13/06/08
APM Terminal has taken delivery of four gantry cranes worth over US$10 million to further improve cargo clearance time from the ports in Lagos Port of Apapa. Berth 15 [quai of 220m] will be occupied till July as works are undertaken. On completion of the gantry installation the berths will be dredged to 12.5m. [Local Agent 13/06/08]

Products Added To SONCAP List - 01/05/08
The Central Bank of Nigeria [www.cenbank.org] has issued an official circular TED/FEM/GEN/01/021 advising the addition of extra products to the Standards Organisation of Nigeria’s Conformity Assessment Programme [SONCAP www.soncap.com]. These include:

  • Group I [Toys]: children’s hair slides and bands; baby cribs and rockers; sports, outdoor games and other recreation related products.
  • Group II [Electrical and electronics]: stationary cooking ranges, hobs, ovens and similar appliances; grills, toasters and similar portable cooking appliances; floor treatment machines and wet scrubbing machines; deep fat fryers, frying pans and similar appliances; kitchen machines; electric door bells of all types, including those which are DC operated.
  • Group IV [Chemical products]: Flasks and vacuum ware; bituminous products, including asphalt.
  • Group V [Mechanical material and gas appliances]: Non-galvanised steel bars, rods, beams, angles, sheets, pipes, billets, wire ropes and galvanised steel and stainless steel bars, rods, beams, angles, sheets, pipes, including iron wire gauze and fence security barb steel wires; ceramic products, tiles, sanitary ware appliances, stainless steel hand wash basins, pipes and fittings; hand tools and similar products, including screwdrivers, testers, hydraulic jacks, bottles etc; saw blades and cutting discs, measuring devices including scales, tapes, vernier callipers, etc.
  • Group VII [Paper and stationery]: other stationery items including mathematical sets.

New Import Restrictions Planned For Buses And Trucks - 01/05/08
The Federal Government is planning to impose new import restrictions on buses and trucks in order to cut the cost of maintaining old vehicles, and is also planning incentives to encourage local assembly of light commercial vehicles, according to the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mr Charles Ugwuh. He said the government has concluded plans to impose the restrictions on buses over 10 years old and trucks over 15 years old. He went on to say that a 50% import duty may be imposed on imported light commercial vehicles but that this would be reduced to 2.5% for vehicles imported unassembled [CKD]. He said that the National Automotive Council will cooperate with local assemblers to identify components for which there is local manufacturing capacity and would then impose 50% duty on any imports of that component. [BNBC 01/05/08]

Prohibition Of Imported Polypropylene Sacks - 12/05/08
The Nigerian Customs Service [www.customs.gov.ng] has issued a reminder about the ban on the import of polypropylene woven sacks. It states the importation of these goods under HS 3923.2100.22 and HS 3923.2900.24 remains prohibited and violations will be punished.

Government Establish Wharf Command To Decongest Ports - 12/05/08
Due to the traffic congestion in Tin Can Port Apapa Wharf, the Federal Road Safety Commission has set up a new unit, the Wharf Unit Command. This is additional to the Joint Tax Force already put in place to decongest the ports.To view the official letter please click here. [Local agent 12/05/08]

Government To Set Up 6 Economic Zones - 25/04/08
To boost the fledgling manufacturing sector and create much-needed jobs, the Nigerian Government is to set up six economic zones, one each in the six geo-political zones of the country. Announced at the 6th Nigeria- China Business and Investment Forum [NCBIF] held recently in China, Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission [NIPC], Mr. Mustafa Bello confirmed the projects approval by the Federal Executive Council [FEC]. He also noted Chinese investment was already in place. The 50-100km2 self sustaining economic zones would have all the necessary infrastructure that would promote production. The envisaged zones will bear semblance to that of Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone. [TD 25/04/08]

$700m Africa's Deepest Port Ready in Lagos 2009 - 08/04/08
The deepest port in Africa with a draft of 17m is to be constructed by Lagos Port LFTZ Enterprises along Atlantic coast at Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos by the first quarter of 2009. The port is expected to cost US$700 million and handle about 8,000 TEU's at the completion of the first phase. The second phase is expected to handle 1.05 metric tons of bulk cargo. The port would be the first deep water port that will allow Suezmax ships to enter Nigerian waters. The Environmental Impact Assessment [EIA] and the design for the project are already in place and the contractors will soon be mobilised to commence work. The port project is part of a larger scheme which includes the Lagos Free Trade Zone [LFTZ] which is due to cover an 500ha of land when fully developed. When completed the port and FTZ combined with its state of the art cargo handling and storage infrastructure will make it an ideal transhipment hub capable servicing the entire West African coast. Eurochem Corporation Pet. Ltd will be in charge of the building and operation of the LFTZ. The Singaporebased company will be responsible for the day-to-day management of port operations, marketing the services and facilities of the port to various shipping lines and users and elaborating future development plans. [VAN 08/04/08]

FRSC Wants Vehicles Inspected At Ports - 26/03/08
The Federal Road Safety Commission [FRSC] wants to establish offices at its ports to inspect articulated vehicles imported into the country. The FRSC is seeking collaboration with the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] wants to carry out physical inspection of haulage and trailer vehicles, inspection of break and transmission system and classification of categories on hazardous and chemical materials to make sure they conform to acceptable global standard. Other FRSC duties at ports will also include the enforcement of axle load violations, training and retraining of haulage truck operators and enforcement of good parking and space management. [DT 26/03/08]

'Free Trade Zone to Take-Off Soon' - 08/03/08
Delta State Governor, Dr Uduaghan, has given an assurance that the State Free Trade Zone located in Koko, Warri will come on stream shortly as the Federal Government is expected to grant the license for the project. Uduaghan disclosed that the State Government has addressed infrastructural development concerns specifically the dualisation of the Ugbenu-Koko road. Construction will commence as soon as the 2008 budget is approved by the state assembly. A MOU has also been signed with an American based investor, Cole Church International, for the development of the Trade Zone. [TD 08/03/08]

Yar'Adua Approves Ogun/Guangdong Free Trade Zone - 07/03/08
President Yar'Adua has given his consent to the establishment of the Ogun /Guangdong Free Trade Zone [FTZ] in Igbesa, Ogun State. Guangdong Xinguang African Investment Group is partnering the Ogun State Government in the development of the FTZ. Tthe first phase of the project is expected to cost US$500 million. With the formal approval of Ogun Guangdong FTZ, the Gateway State now has three Free Trade Zones. The Olokola FTZ in Ogun East and the Kajola Specialized Railway Terminus FTZ in Ogun Central had earlier been given presidential
approval to operate. [VAN 07/03/08]

Customs, Shippers Council Partner On Container Depots- 20/03/08
The Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] and the Nigeria Shippers Council are collaborating on the establishment of several Inland Container Depots [ICD]. Reports have confimed that all is now in place for the immediate take-off of ICDs to be located in Kano, Funtia, Maiduguri, Jos, Isialangwa and Ibadan. [LR 20/03/08]

Lagos Shops for US$787 Million For Rail Project - 17/03/08
The Lagos State government is shopping for $787 million for the construction and development of a rail transportation system in the state. Governor Babatunde Fashola said the state wanted investors to provide the funds for the rail system with a projected annual revenue of $400 million. AFC to Build $700m Ring Road in Port Harcourt The Africa Finance Corporation [AFC] and the Rivers State Government have agreed to construct an 88km ring road in Port Harcourt at the cost of $700 million. The road will be the largest municipal highway project in Africa and is expected to be a catalyst to the city's economic development.

Akwa Ibom State To Build $5.2 Billion Port - 17/03/08
The Akwa Ibom State government has concluded plans with a foreign firm, Dersko Marine Group, to construct a US$5.2 billion deep water port. The project, to be implemented in phases, will comprise a vessel building yard, dry dock facility and allied marine facilities. The port will have two terminals with a capacity to handle 15 million tonnes of general cargo per annum. The first phase, which will create 16,000 jobs, is due to commence in December. Under a Private Public Partnership [PPP] arrangement, the project will involve the Akwa Ibom government, Dersko and a consortium of foreign firms from Singapore, US, South Korea and Japan. Officials of the state government and Dersko recently visited the project site to evaluate the level of dredging required for the project. Already, 24,000 hectares had been released at the coastline by the state government for the project, while site development plan and environmental impact assessment have commenced. [VAN 17/03/08]

FG Plans High Speed Rail Line / Seven ICD’s - 29/02/08
As part of efforts to resuscitate the ailing rail infrastructure in the country, the Minister of Transportation, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke disclosed that the Federal Government would be executing a new high speed rail line that would run through six states that are considered as vital trade routes. The minister added that the rail line, when completed is expected to convey an average of 30 - 40 million tons of goods per annum and about 60 - 70 million passengers. The minister also disclosed that arrangements have been concluded for the take-off of seven Inland Container Depots as pilot schemes on a Built, Operate and Transfer [BOT] arrangement in Ibadan, Jos, Funtua, Bauchi Maiduguri, Isiala-Ngwa in Abia and Kano. [TD 29/02/08]

Nigerian Ports Authority Restored - 14/11/07
The Federal Executive Council approved the restoration of the Nigerian Ports Authority to its original position, according to an announcement by the Minister of Transportation, Mrs Diezani Alison Maduekwe. She said this reversed the decision of the last administration, which created the Western Ports and Harbours Authority and the Nigerian Delta Ports.

FG Appoints New MD For NPA - 14/11/07
The Nigerian government have appointed Abdulsalam Mohammed as the managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] effective 12/11/07. Until his new appointment, Abdulsalam was the managing director of the now defunct NPA, Western Ports. [DT 14/11/07]

Nigeria: Ports - Is 48-Hour Clearing Possible? - 18/11/07
Over the last year the operation of Nigerian Ports have been concessioned to private firms. This was part of the sector reforms embarked upon by President Obasanjo's administration. It aimed at efficiency of port operations and reduced cost of services. Having launched the concessioning, the government has expressed publicly its ambition to achieve a 48-hour clearing of goods at the ports. However, in reviewing the reform, stakeholders take a critical view particularly of the 48-hour efficiency drive. Experts debate whether this is achievable and what variables are required to make efficiency at the ports expectation - fulfilled?

Though there has been much noise about ensuring efficient port service delivery, the problem of attitudinal change still persists to drive the process. How can 48 hours clearance of goods be achieved when lack of skilled manpower and cargo handling equipment has not been resolved and when port systems are characterized by documentation errors particularly as most operations are not automated. The issue of wrong declaration of goods and corruption on the part of the Nigeria Custom Service and high operational cost, which is why most importers prefer using other neighbouring ports also needs be addressed before efficient service is delivered. Something also needs to be done to de-congest the traffic situation at the ports and to get the railways working. The unending dock labour unrest, which most times cripple port activities should also be giving a serious thought.

The fact is that 48 hours clearing cannot be achieved in isolation. The root causes of delay can include multiplicity of agencies, slow responsiveness of customs to valid documentation and non-deployment of end-to-end systems. The shippers and freight forwarders equally have to be more efficient and strictly regulated. Facilities such as power, equipment [cranes/pay loaders] and other items such as barges, tug boats must be efficient. No matter the plans to fast tack the clearing of goods from the ports, unless these issues are tackled the scheme is doomed to fail. [VAN 18/11/07]

Kano Exports Processing Zone to Be Commissioned in 2009 - 07/11/07
According to the Minister of Commerce, Alhaji Ahmed Garba Bichi, the Kano Export Processing Zone project will be completed and commissioned by the end of 2009. So far, 48 foreign investors have declared intention to invest in the zone. [DT 07/11/07]

Lagos Apapa - Terminal Progress Report - 29/11/07
Apapa terminal is seeing increased productivity in the terminal with congestion easing and block stacks and delays reduced.

The following are being implemented with this in mind:

  • The terminal has leased an additional 4 reach stackers to accommodate the increase in and backlog of volumes
  • The terminal has reached an agreement with NPA, NCS, & ANLCA for 24/ 7 operations for direct deliveries - It is possible to take deliveries at night and weekends as well
  • The terminal will provide a list of containers which are made available for Customs examination. This is expected to assist in location of containers in the examination bay.
  • The terminal is making record gate - outs
  • Increase in Physical Inspection Area of approx 500 TEUs through availability of Shed B
  • Increased stemming of boxes to Inland Container Depots [ICDs]
  • Limitation imposed on entry of empties return to conserve yard space
  • Efforts made to maximize empty loadings
  • Requests for Customs exam to be processed the very next day
  • Request consignees to collect TDOs during office hours and make use of night deliveries and weekend deliveries
  • Customs Examination is available during weekends. Clearing Agents and Customs have agreed to be present on weekends
  • Customs have agreed to scale of exam and thus will examine only a few boxes in a B/ L with multiple boxes with homogenous cargoes
  • The terminal is requesting customs to implement random sampling and thereby reduce the pressure to physically examine boxes [ie: Request for a lower than the current demand for 65-70% examination requirement]. [Apapa Terminal 29/11/07]

Minister Calls for More Free Trade Zones - 07/11/07
The Minister of Commerce has called for the establishment of more free trade zones and will partner with Greece in developing such zones. The Minister noted that Greek companies like Paterson Zochonis [PZ], and Leventis have helped reposition the Nigerian economy. [DT 07/11/07]

Government Designates 9th Mile As Free Trade Zone - 02/12/07
Enugu State Governor, Sullivan Chime has said his government will establish a free trade zone at 9th Mile Corner, one of the major towns that links the state with the North. [TD 02/12/07]

Decongestion of Port Roads - 23/11/07
Minister of Transportation, Diezani Alison-Madueke has commended the Task Force on Decongestion of Federal Roads in Lagos, for ridding roads leading to Lagos Port Complex of wrongfully parked trailers. A committee was set-up in May 2007 to address the problem who identified four causes namely:

  • enhanced ports activities after concessioning resulted in 100% growth in vehicular traffic moving in and out of the ports
  • de-regulation of down stream sub-sector of the petroleum industry, resulting in the emergence of over 30 tank farms enroute to the ports
  • tank farms lacked parking or holding bays, leading to spill-over of waiting vehicles on both service and main lanes of the roads, with most, indiscriminately parked on the roads and bridges
  • relatively poor conditions of port approach and access roads including portholes, flooding and road failure
  • The committee recommended a three phase approach:
  • clearing and securing right of ways, removal of illegal vehicles, instituting appropriate traffic management measures, setting minimum conditions for vehicles permissible into Ports among others
  • instituting and enforcing provision of holding bays by Tank farms, planning for better and well maintained ports access and approach roads, use of rail facilities by tank farms in Dockyard road Apapa
  • construction of trailer parks, development of port rail links and repairs and use of local refineries for petroleum products

It is also hoped in the next few years separate trailer parks will be built to decongest port access roads and to realize a certain amount of revenue which can be reinvested. [DC 23/11/07]

House of Reps Commends Intels Over Onne Port - 23/11/07
Members of the House of Representative Committee on Marine Transport have commended Intels Nigeria, one the nation's ports concessionaires over its efforts towards repositioning Onne port. Onne Port manager, Henry Cline stated the port had recorded an improvement in revenue generation to the tune of N16.7 billion since the concession. The figure when compared with the preceding period reflected an increase of over N4 billion. Efforts of Intels in creating a conducive environment in the zone have continued to attract local and foreign investors to establish relevant businesses in the area. Intels deputy General Manager, Chuks Ihuona estimated investment by companies operating within the zone at over US$3 billion. [DC 23/11/07]

Customs Ranked 93 in World Bank Survey - 07/11/07
Nigerian Customs has been ranked 93 out of 150 countries in a new World Bank survey. The survey, which highlights shipping inefficiencies in developing countries and the global trading opportunities missed as a result, found that Nigeria is woefully lagging behind. [TD 07/11/07]

Cross River Govt Signs US$36m Monorail Contract - 16/11/07
Cross River State government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU], with the Nigerian Railway Corporation [NRC] for the construction of US$36 million monorail. The monorail project is expected to link the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar with Tinapa Business Resort. The 12km monorail project is expected to decongest traffic within Calabar metropolis. [Leadership 16/11/07]

World Bank Intervenes In Lagos-Benin Road - 29/11/07
The World Bank has reiterated its commitment to assist Nigeria with N240-billion for the rehabilitation of Lagos-Shagamu-Ibadan-Benin road projects. Anil Bandari, World Bank senior adviser on Africa transport, said the mission in Nigeria was preparing a project, which would be approved very soon by the World Bank. The assistance would form part of a larger programme to rehabilitate all the unity roads that have been prioritised by the Federal Government. [BD 29/11/07]

FG to Review Laws Governing Port Agencies Operation - 25/10/07
The Federal Government is set to review all the laws relating to the operations of various agencies in the nations port. Minister for Transportation, Mrs Diezani Madueke, criticized the poor state of infrastructures in the port and expressed the Governments desire for an efficient port clearing system which has been to date marred by the lack of interconnectivity among key operators. Until the appropriate synergy among all the parties involved in the trade transactions is established i.e. Central Bank, commercial banks, destination inspection agencies, shipping companies, customs, terminal operators and freight forwarders, international trade will still be conducted at a sub-optional level of professionalism. Madueke further condemned the application of excessive tax regime and multiple levies, saying that it makes maritime trade an unprofitable venture. [VAN 25/10/07]

FG Soon to Return NPA to Status Quo - 20/10/07
According to local reports in the LEADERSHIP there are strong indications that the federal government may bring back the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) as one entity, as against the present two administrative structures of the nation's fifty-two year-old ports authority; namely the NPA (Western Ports) and NPA (Eastern Ports)*. Reliable sources at the Federal Ministry of Transportation said that the reversal was part of the decision of the present administration to take a critical look at the port reform programme of former President Obasanjo. The present management system has been described as an illegality, especially as the Act establishing NPA has not been repealed accordingly.

The government is also expected to review the concessionaires who have taken over the nation's port terminals. Maritime operators have expressed joy at the impending review of the port concession exercise which majority of them have described as fraudulent and against the overall interest of the economy. The administration of former President Obasanjo, they insist, carried out the reform exercise without due regards to public opinion and without the enabling legal/regulatory framework. [Leadership 20/10/07]

*By that creation, the seaports in Lagos , including Lagos Port Complex, Apapa and Tin Can Island Port are controlled by NPA, Western Ports, whilst NPA Eastern Ports, controls Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne and Calabar ports.

Customs Wants 48-Hour Clearing Time for Cargos - 26/10/07
The Nigeria Customs Service will ensure that all cargos stay no longer than 48 hours at the port to ensure imports are cleared and dispatched. Nigeria Customs has initiated talks with the clearing agents including banks, shippers etc, to ensure that it achieves the 48-hour deadline for clearing of goods. A new Accelerated System on Customs Documentation and Administration - ASYCUDA ++ will be implemented with this in mind along with full automation of cargo manifests. Shipping lines have already been requested to provide documentation in the required format. [Leadership & OTAL Local Agent 26/10/07]

New Transport Minister - 25/10/07
Mr Felix Hassan Hyat was sworn is as Minister of State for Transportation at a State House ceremony on 24th October. [BNBC 25/10/07]

Nigeria Needs $510 Billion to Develop Transport Sector - 30/10/07
As part of the Overview of 2020 Vision, Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Professor Chukwuma Soludo, said that Nigeria would need to inject about $510 billion over the next 15 years, devoid of private sector funding, in the provision and maintenance of rail lines, road construction network and waterways to fully develop the transportation sector. [TD 30/10/07]

Nafdac to Clampdown On Salt Dealers - 31/10/07
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) are mandating salt manufacturers and importers to phase out 25 kg bags of salt and produce only small pack sizes of 1kg. As from 01/01/08 25kg bags are at risk of confiscation. [DT 31/10/07]

Lagos Earmarks N15bn for 11 Roads in Apapa - 25/10/07
Lagos State government is to spend N15 billion to construct 11 roads in Apapa. The roads will be constructed by Julius Berger within the next two years. [TD 01/11/07]

Onne Port Sees Improved Revenue Levels - 25/10/07
Between June 2006 and July 2007, Onne Port complex, has recorded a revenue of N16.7 billion. This is a marked increase of over N4 billion compared to the preceding period of June 2005 and July 2006. [VAN 25/10/07]

Nigeria / Ghana Customs Strengthen Ties - 24/09/07
At the launch of the Abidjan-Lagos Transport and Transit Facilitation Programme, the Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] and its Ghanaian counterpart agreed to strengthen its relationship and cooperation in order to implement ECOWAS policies and programmes as well as other international conventions on trade facilitation.The cordial relationship between the two customs services has witnessed a boost under the management of Jacob Buba, Comptroller of Nigeria Customs Service and Commissioner Emmanuel Doku of Ghana. Buba, urged Ghanaian customs to ensure strict compliance to the provisions of the just signed MoU on facilitation of transport and trade along the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, assuring Nigeria's full compliance. [DC 24/09/07]

Cargo Defence Fund Mobilises Shippers - 09/10/07
Determined to ensure that its benefits are maximally utilised by importers and exporters, the Cargo Defence Fund [CDF], has begun mobilisation of importers and exporters with the aim of educating them on the services offered by the Fund. The CDF met with Shippers Associations, City Chambers of Commerce and governments in Kano, Kaduna, Zaria and Katsina. The Fund, which is an initiative of the Nigeria Shipper's Council, to assist the logistics and processes involved in importation and exportation, including legal and insurance services, was available to all stakeholders and urged the business community to subscribe to the ideals and services of the CDF. Already the CDF has concluded plans to build dry ports in several parts of the country as a way of reducing the present pressure on the nation's sea ports. [TD 09/10/07]

Delta Plans Economic Free Zone in Koko - 05/10/07
In a bid to increase commercial activities in the Delta ports, the Delta State Government is planning to establish a Koko Free Zone (KFZ) in the state. Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Chinwe Monu-Olarewaju, said that the government was working towards attracting exporters and importers to utilise the ports. The state has five ports, namely: Burutu, Forcados, Koko, Sapele and Warri. [VAN 05/10/07]

Lagos Set to Launch Truck Terminal - 08/10/07
The Lagos State Government is set to launch the long awaited, first phase of the Orile truck terminal. The terminal was designed to accommodate about 550 tanker vehicles at a time. Commissioner for Transportation Prof Bamidele Badejo disclosed that all arrangements have been concluded for the launch of the terminal. [VAN 08/10/07]

BPE, Concessionaires, Transport Ministry in Talks Over Ports Bill - 13/09/07
Port concessionaires have commenced discussions with the Bureau of Public Enterprises [BPE] and the Federal Ministry of Transport on how to ensure that the Ports & Harbours Bill is passed by the National Assembly. The Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] is also reported to be involved in the discussions. BPE mid-wifed the concession programme and handed over the terminals to the private operators in January 2006, but the exercise has yet to receive the approval of the Assembly. The bill was put forward during the tenure of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, but did not go beyond the first reading.

The concessionaires who took over the port have been operating for 1.5 years without an instrument to accord their operations the necessary legal backing. Many have invested heavily to upgrade the terminal buying cargo-handling plant and other equipment. It is noted that the Customs & Excise Management Act [CEMA] has given legal backing to the operators of bonded terminals, so surely the same thing should be done for the private terminal operators. [VAN 13/09/07]

Shippers Seek Linkage of Rail to Ports - 28/08/07
Ahead of the expected rejuvenation of the rail system, the Nigerian Shippers Council [NSC] has recommended that multi-modal links from the port should be put in place. Rail and road networks should be built to connect with the Inland Container Depots [ICDS]. The NSC has urged the government to also set up and strengthen the National Transport Commission [NTC], by appointing professionals to run the sector and make recommendations for improvement of physical infrastructure within the country. The recommendations were part of a workshop recently organised by the Cargo Defence Fund [CDF]. [TD 28/08/07]

Contract For Dredging Bonny Channel - 18/09/07
The Minister of State for Water Transportation, Prince John Okechukwu Emeka, has signed a $65 million contract with Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Nigeria Port Authority (NPA) and the Bonny Channel Company (BCC) to expand the channel in Rivers State. The minister is reported to have said that the project will be funded by NLNG but that repayment would be on a 60% (NLNG) / 40% (NPA) amortisation arrangement on port dues of NLNG tankers. Bonny Channel Company, a joint venture between NPA and a consortium of technical partners led by Dredging International, is to execute the project, which is expected to be completed within 24 weeks after mobilisation to site. The channel is to be deepened from 12.5 metres to 14.3 metres and widened from 215 metres to 230 metres to facilitate handling of deep draught tankers. [BNBC 18/09/07]

Import Concessions Suspended - 30/08/07
Tax concessions and waivers granted to importers have been suspended by the Government according to a press report quoting Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Dr Shamsudeen Usman, who said the policy will remain in force pending an audit of existing beneficiaries. He said the President was embarrassed by colossal revenue loss resulting from abuse of the concessions. The Nigerian Customs Service is said to have lost about N20 billion during the last seven months because of the concessions. [BNBC 30/08/07]

Forms ‘M’ No Longer Required For Free Zones - 30/08/07
The Central Bank of Nigeria has issued a circular stating that registration of a Form M for processing applications for imports by licensed operators in the Free Trade and Export Processing Zones is no longer required. However all imports from these zones into Nigerian Customs territory will continue to be under the existing domestic foreign exchange regulations and guidelines on imports, procedures and documentation under the Destination Inspection Scheme. [BNBC 30/08/07]

Liberalisation Of Unconfirmed Letters Of Credit - 30/08/07
Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN] circular TED/FEM/FPC/GEN/01/088 announced that restrictions on the use of unconfirmed letters of credit for the import of raw materials, spare parts and machinery required for the manufacturing sector have been eased and extended to all imported items, subject to CBN approval of facility limits for individual banks. Negotiation is to be with inter-bank funds and effected within 90 days from date of shipment. [BNBC 30/08/07]

Soncap List Of Regulated Products Updated - 30/08/07
Central Bank of Nigeria [CBN] circular TED/FEM/GEN/FPC/01/021 dated 30/07/07 announced changes to the list of regulated products. Oral hygiene appliances up to a maximum wattage of 500W, excluding toothbrushes, have become subject to SONCAP. The regulations have been extended to include all types of water purifiers excluding chemical based units. Importers should comply with both NAFDAC and SONCAP requirements for motor lubricating oil and petroleum based products for use in vehicles, paints, varnishes, thinners, putties and related products, and adhesives including adhesive tapes and glues, but excluding plasters for medical purposes. Certain fertilisers, condoms and contraceptives, baby diapers, sanitary pads and similar products have been de-listed. [BNBC 30/08/07]

New Cotecna Appointment In Nigeria - 17/09/07
Mr Tayo Rabiu has been appointed Managing Director of Cotecna Destination Inspection Ltd in Nigeria in succession to Mr Bosco Karingithi, who has been appointed Regional Vice-President of Cotecna Inspection S.A. and will be based in Accra with special responsibility for Ghana and Nigeria projects. [BNBC 17/09/07]

NEPZA Seeks Collaboration With NPA - 06/09/07
The Nigerian Export Zones Authority [NEPZA] has sought the collaboration of the Nigerian Ports Authority, [NPA] Western Ports, for the development of a port at Olokola, Ondo State for use by vessels expected to operate at the Free Trade Zone. [VAN 06/09/07]

NCS & Nimasa Sign MOU on Trade Facilitation - 06/09/07
The Nigeria Customs Service [NCS] and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with a view to facilitating trade in Nigeria.The signing ceremony is the conclusion of a process started about six months ago following a move initiated by the management of NIMASA to explore working collaboration with other Agencies of government in the maritime industry. [VAN 06/09/07]

Government to Provide Parks for Tankers, Trailers - 13/09/07
In a bid to rid roads leading to and from Lagos ports of indiscriminate parking by trailer and tanker drivers, the Lagos state government is set to partner with the federal government to provide parks for haulage vehicles. There are only two axis through which these ports can be accessed. Any obstruction on the Mile Two- Apapa and Ijora- Apapa high ways will automatically affect port activities. By September the phase one of Orile Iganmu truck terminal will be opened for use and that park will accommodate 500 tankers and trailers. [VAN 13/09/07]

Norwegian Government & NPA Partner For Port Efficiency - 28/09/07
A team of Maritime experts from Norway have paid a courtesy call to the Management of NPA Western Ports. The main focus was to boost efficiency in operations. Nigeria already train its Marine Officers in Norway. [DT 28/09/07]

Ships And Ports Investment Group Debuts Soon - 03/09/07
In a bid to open Nigerians to investment opportunities in the maritime sector but are constrained by funds, a new Ships and Ports Communication Company is offering a cooperative platform that will enable those who cannot invest alone to pool funds together and invest collectively. Chief Isaac Jolapamo, Indigenous Shipowners Association of Nigeria (ISAN), has agreed to chair the board of trustees of the investment company. [Leadership]

Oceanic Bank Invests In Indigenous Maritime Fleet - 03/09/07
Oceanic Bank International Plc has demonstrated its increasing interest in the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry. The bank recently extended a credit facility worth $14.5 million to an indigenous shipping firm, Vigeo Limited for the acquisition of a modern anchor handler vessel AHTS Lady Margaret from Farstad Shipping of Norway. AHTS vessels are used to install and maintain oil platforms. The vessel is of design ME505 (BHP 8850) built in Australia in 1993. Delivery to the new owner will take place at the turn of August/September. This is one of the five vessels Oceanic Bank has made plans to finance. [Rigzone 03/09/07]

EU To Co-Finance Silt Control Programme In Niger River - 31/08/07
The EU is to co-finance the de-silting of the Niger River, according to Executive Secretary of the Niger Basin Development Authority [NBDA], Mohammed Tuga. Tuga said the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the Islamic Development Bank were also among the international donors for the US$48-million programme. The project, aimed at ending the entry of soil into River Niger, would also enhance fishing and other agricultural activities in the river. The master plan was approved last month by the Council of Ministers of the nine member countries of the Niger basin. They are Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Mali, Niger, Chad and Nigeria. [DPA 31/08/07]

NPA to Take Ports Out of Major Cities - 10/08/07
Management of the Nigerian Port Authority [NPA], Western Ports, has disclosed plans to take the nation's ports out of the cities to make them more efficient. Managing Director, Abdulsalam Mohammed, criticized congestion on the nation's ports roads, especially at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports said that Nigeria's quest of becoming a maritime hub may not materialize if its ports are not accessible. According to him, "Our ports cannot be efficient if roads to them are not accessible. This is why acquisition of land for future development has become imperative. There is need to take the ports out of the cities."

Mohammed also called for the reactivation and provision of rail access to all of the nation's ports as well as the implementation of the nation's transport master plan. He pointed out that there were a number of present constraints which included policy instability, financial burden of dredging activities, unreliable power generation and distribution, access roads at the Lagos Port Complex and the enhancement of Information Communication Technology [ICT] through a common network with customs and port users. Mohammed also called for an earlier passage of the Port and Labour Bill presently with the National Assembly. [DC 10/08/07]

Norway Partners Nigeria to Develop Shipping Sector - 09/08/07
The Norwegian Shipowners Association [NSA] is hoping to partner the Indigenous Shipping Association of Nigeria [ISAN] to develop the Nigeria shipping industry. According to Chief Isaac Jolapamo, President of ISAN, the collaboration with Norway will look at the possibility of shipyard development and man power training of Nigerian seafarers. Jolapamo also called on the Association to help Nigeria with its excess tonnage.

Reidar Norheim of the NSA noted that education is the key to shipping development, adding that if the conditions between both countries are acceptable, the Norwegian Shipowners Association will enter into an Institutional Shipping Development Programme in Nigeria. Norheim explained that the reason for the programme is to ensure that the quality of man power and other areas of development in Nigeria will be of international standard. He also stated that Nigerians will be given opportunity to crew Norwegian flagged vessels if the partnership works out.

The NSA is still carrying out a feasibility study, adding that as soon as the report is compiled, submitted to the Norwegian Shipowners, and if accepted, then work can start on some specific areas of the Nigerian shipping sector. Norway is the fifth largest ship owning nation in the world with a total of 1,795 vessels , amounting to 50million Dead Weight Ton [DWT]. [VAN 09/08/07]

New High Commissioner Appointed - 28/06/07
Mr Robert Dewar CMG has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria in succession to Sir Richard Gozney KCMG. Mr Dewar, who is currently Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, will take up his new appointment in December.

Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre For Lagos - 28/06/07
According to Dr Christopher Kolade [Nigeria’s High Commissioner in UK] Nigeria has purchased the equipment needed for establishment of a regional Lagos based maritime rescue coordination centre within three months.

Adf Loan For Rural Transport In Cross River - 28/06/07
The African Development Fund [ADF] is reported to have approved a loan equivalent to US$53 million in support of a rural access project in Cross River State. The scheme will give priority to rehabilitation of unpaved feeder roads which are subject to erosion. The ADF loan will cover 89.5% of the project costs, 8.3% being provided by the Cross River State Government and the remaining 2.2% by the Federal Government.

Nigeria Will Make Export Processing Zones Competitive - 28/06/07
President Umaru Musa Yar'adua has assured the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority [NEPZA] that his administration would accelerate the passage of a bill to create a competitive atmosphere for the companies in the zones. The NEPZA oversees 22 free zones in Nigeria, with a potential for cumulative investment of us$100bn if policies were consistent and the companies were given access into the Nigerian market. [NF 28/06/07]

NPA Gets Task Force on Cargo Clearance - 26/06/07
Following the accumulated cargoes arising from the 4-day nationwide strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress [NLC] and Trade Union Congress [TUC], the Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA] has set up a task force to fast-track the clearance of goods at the ports. The task force will enforce the smooth movement of traffic in and out of the Apapa and Tin can island Ports in line with the Federal Ministry of Transportation's desire for the immediate resumption of Port activities. The Authority urges all Terminal Operators, Clearing and Shipping Agents, Trailer Operators, Stakeholders and the general public to cooperate with the task force to ensure a hitch free exercise. The task force will remain in force until operations at the ports returns to its normal state. [DT 26/06/07]

NCMDLA Identify Obstacles to Cargo Clearance - 22/06/07
Freight forwarders have identified cumbersome procedures and high cost as major impediments for clearance of cargoes at the nation's ports. Other hindrances to clearance procedures at the ports are delays in movement of cargoes to off dock and bonded terminals and difficulties in examination of cargoes by customs due to lack of plant space; delays in confirming payments at banks and constant breakdown of scanners.

The process of obtaining the Risk Assessment Report [RAR] is still very difficult as values are being jerked up at will while classification is wrongly applied. The dispute resolution mechanisms are not included in the process of the service providers. Such issue take weeks and months to be resolved and it's the major component obstructing facilitation as all cases are always referred to banks and service providers before the importer or agent will be informed.

Freight forwarders also pointed out that "the core component of the Automated System for Customs Data [ASYCUDA], is yet to be used so the process is still being done manually. ASYCUDA ++ is yet to be fully automated due to connectivity problems and breakdowns. Meanwhile port access can mean a whole day spent tackling red tape before access is granted. [DC 22/06/07]

Cargo Manifests & Overtime Cargo - 10/05/07
Nigerian Customs have issued new circulars indicating cargo manifests must be submitted 72 hrs prior to the vessels arrival and that all uncleared cargo at the port after 28 days will be treated as overtime cargo. Please click here for the official notice.

FG Awards US$127 Million Contract for Port Repairs - 10/05/07
The Federal Government has awarded a contract for the reconstruction of Lagos port harbours - the East and West moles - at a cost of US$127 million [N16.5333 billion] to China Engineering Construction Company (CCECC). The contract was signed on behalf of the government by Minister of State for Transport Mallam Habibu Aliyu and managing director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Chief Adebayo Sarumi. The dilapidated hundred year old mole will be removed and the contractors will build a new deep-sea solid wall across the east and west harbours of the sea. [DT 10/05/07]

NIMASA Gets New CEO - 10/05/07
The Federal Government has appointed a new Director General/CEO for NIMASA. He is Dr. Shamsideen Adegboyega Dosunmu. The government dissolved the Agency's Interim Management Board and reconstituted a new one to be chaired by the Honourable Minister of State for Water Transportation, Mallam Muhammed Habib Aliu. Other members of the Board include; Mr. Henry Abebe, Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services; Alhaji Danjuma Dabo, Executive Director, Finance and Administration, and Ishaku M. Shekarau, Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development. Meanwhile, the former Director General/CEO of the agency, Mrs. Mfon Usoro has been cleared by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission [EFCC]. [DT 10/05/07]

Abolish Duty Waivers - 07/05/07
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has attributed the slow pace of economic growth in the country to the prevalent use of import duty waiver and has called for it to be abolished. The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has attributed the slow pace of economic growth in the country to the prevalent use of import duty waiver and has called for it to be abolished. The president of the chamber, Dr. Ademola Ajayi, said that the indiscriminate import duty waivers could be a source of distortion in the economy and that it has become a cause of concern to private sector operators. [VAN 07/05/07]

Isiala-Ngwa Dry Port - Abia State - 07/05/07
At a ground breaking ceremony, Minister of Transportation, Chief Cornelius Adebayo, said the Inland Container Depot [ICD], in Isiala-Ngwa, Abia State, will create up to 100,000 jobs when completed. The site, a 50,000 TEU port facility, will serve Aba, Onitsha, Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Delta and Benue states. The Isiala-ngwa ICD is expected to receive containerised cargo by rail from Port Harcourt. The depot will also benefit from on-going modernisation of the railway from Lagos to Kano into standard gauge and future upgrading of the Port Harcourt-Jos-Maiduguri line. East Gate Inland Container Terminal Ltd has been given the go ahead to construct the facility expected to be ready for business within 30 months. The government has also recently performed ground breaking ceremonies for ICD’s in Kano and Jos. [VAN 07/05/07]

Tinapa Business Resort Opens - 07/05/07
Early in April President Obasanjo declared the Tinapa Business Resort in Calabar open. The Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sam Anani stated that there will be a synergy between the Calabar Free Zone and the Tinapa Free Zone. He said that the free trade zone incentives include a one-stop approval process for establishing business operations, 100% exemption from tax and import duties, unrestricted repatriation of capital, profits and dividends, as well as efficient customs and clearing procedures. He said the involvement of the private sector in Tinapa was championed by United Bank for Africa plc, which provided N5 billion to jump start the construction process.

Obasanjo Flags Off Abuja Metro Rail System - 07/05/07
President Obasanjo flagged off work on the construction of the Abuja metro rail system slated for completion in 15 years and financed by a $841 million dollar loan facility provided by the Chinese government. The project will be executed in three phases by Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Company which will provide a standard rail gauge for the city covering 280km. [VAN 07/05/07]

Lagos to Kano Railway - 03/05/07
Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation [NRC], Mazi Jetson Nwankwo has said work on the standard gauge from Lagos to Kano has started, while Port-Harcourt to Maiduguri axis was yet to begin. [TD 03/05/07]

Cargo Manifests & Overtime Cargo - 01/05/07
Nigerian Customs have issued new circulars indicating cargo manifests must be submitted 72 hrs prior to the vessels arrival and that all uncleared cargo at the port after 28 days will be treated as overtime cargo. Please see attached for details.

Work Starts On Calabar Mono-Rail - 25/04/07
Work on theUS$36 million Calabar Monorail project was formally started when Cross River State Governor Donald Duke performed a ground-breaking ceremony at Margaret Ekpo International Airport. The project was conceived in anticipation of increased traffic as a result of the Tinapa Business Resort. Duke added that, when completed, passengers will be ferried over the 12.9km from the airport to the business resort at 60 kph. The project is funded by the African Import-Export Bank based in Cairo. [VAN 25/04/07]

NIMASA Introduces New Certificate for Vessels - 20/04/07
NIMASA has introduced new certification process for vessels in order to ensure compliance with the provisions of the Coastal and Inland [Cabotage] Act 2006. Henceforth, any vessel that fails to carry the new certificate would be detained by the agency, adding that the measure was to ensure full implementation of the Cabotage law as well as meet international standard. The main objective of the new regime is to encourage indigenous participation in domestic shipping trade. NIMASA has so far registered 67 vessels, representing a cumulative tonnage of 35, 725.21 dead weight [dwt ]. [DT 20/04/07]

Obasanjo Commissions Olokola FTZ Project - 17/04/07
President Obasanjo has performed the ground breaking ceremony of the multi-billion dollar OK Free Trade Zone Project at Olokola a joint venture initiative of Ogun and Ondo State governments. [DC 17/04/07]

New Maritime Safety Bill Out Soon - 17/04/07
According to the head of NIMASA legal services, Mrs Mayen Obi, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] Bill may be signed into law this month by President Obasanjo. [The ANIMAS Bill gave legal backing to the merger of the former National Maritime Authority and the Joint Maritime Labour Industrial Council [JOMALIC]. The agency, initially known as National Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NAMASA] had its name changed to NIMASA with the passage of the Bill.]

World Bank Boosts Lagos Transport Project With $50m - 12/04/07
The World Bank has approved an additional $50 million for the Lagos State Urban Transport project. This is in addition to the original $100 million released for the project. [Van 12/04/07]

Indigenous Ship Owners to Access N1bn Cabotage Fund - 10/04/07
The National Assembly had approved the guidelines for the operation of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund [CVFF]. Not less than N1 billion naira which accrued to the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund [CVFF] since 2004 can now be accessed by indigenous ship owners. The CVFF was put in place to replace the former Ship Acquisition and Ship Building Fund [SASBF] which was initiated by the late General Sani Abacha administration in 1995. Abacha was forced to stop the scheme when virtually all those who assessed the fund used the loan for every other thing except ship acquisition.

The new Cabotage law 2003 seeks to restrict the carriage of coastal trade to ships owned by Nigerians and registered in Nigeria. Such vessels are also to be built in the country as well as crewed by Nigerian nationals. To achieve the objectives of the Act, an arrangement was included in the legislation that will grant credit facilities to Nigerians participating in the cabotage trade, under a special credit scheme. [TD 10/04/07]

Lekki Trade Zone - Lagos Government & Communities Sign MoU - 04/04/07
Following a prolonged struggle, the Lagos State Government has finally signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MoU] with various groups and communities in the Ibeju Lekki area of the State; to create the Lekki Free Trade Zone [LFTZ] project. The multi-billion dollar project launched in May 2006 is a joint venture between the Lagos State Government and a consortium of Chinese businesses [CCECC-BEYOND International Investment & Development Co. Ltd.]

The MoU, which was prepared by a Lagos-based non-governmental organisation [NGO], the Social and Economic Rights Action Center [SERAC] involved the Lagos Government, Ibeju Lekki Government Council, Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited [LWIL], and the accredited representatives of villages and communities affected by the LFTZ project. After the signing ceremony, Lagos State Governor, Senator Bola Tinubu stated that with the signing of the MoU and concession of 5% ownership of the LFTZ project to the local communities, it was important to quickly begin processes for the project's resettlement scheme. [TD 04/04/07]

Imports to Be Subjected to SON Inspection - 01/04/07
Standards Organisation of Nigeria [SON] is now to inspect imported goods before the Nigeria Customs Service allows them into the country, according to Dr. John Akanya, SON Director General. This will ensure that substandard commodities were not dumped in the country. Akanya said his organisation and the Customs were partners in progress and there was no reason why there should be conflicts in the operations of the two organisations. He added that it is a good development for the two organisations to work together for the purpose of checking substandard imports. According to him, products of Nigerian manufacturers need to be protected and made competitive against those of other countries by ensuring that only qualitative products are imported.

President Receives Draft Protocol On One-Stop Investment Centre - 30/03/07
President Obasanjo has directed the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission to consult stakeholders to prepare a Draft Protocol for the establishment of the One-Stop Investment Centre. Agencies to be represented at the centre include the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion, the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Federal Inland Revenue Service and NAFDAC. [BNBC March Rpt]

No Fixed Scanner For Apapa Port Until 2009 - 30/03/07
Installation of a fixed scanner at Apapa Port may not be complete until January 2009, according to Managing Director of Cotecna Destination Inspection Ltd, Mr B.J.K. Karingithi. He said that allocation of a suitable site had been delayed by congestion after concessioning of terminals at the port, but that a site had now been allocated and a contract signed for construction work to commence in August this year. [BNBC March Rpt]

Free Trade Zone - Lagos Signs MOU With Chinese Govt - 30/03/07
The Lagos State Government has signed a MoU with the Chinese Government for the development of the Lekki Free Trade Zone. The leader of the Chinese delegation Mr. Li Yuanchao expressed confidence that the project would be a reality, stressing that the project would further bring about greater cooperation between Nigeria and China. Nigerian Governor Bola Tinubu recalled the rapid transformation which Shanghai town had undergone as a clear demonstration of the benefits which an organized market like a free trade zone could bring, hoping that same would come to Lagos. [Van 30/03/07]

Government Orders Relocation Of Apapa Fuel Depots - 27/03/07
The Government is reported to have ordered relocation of fuel depots on Tin-Can Island and Apapa in order to reduce traffic congestion, following a visit to the area by the Minister of Transportation, Chief Cornelius Adebayo. The Government has also directed that any further construction of tank farms in the area be halted, as a means of improving the flow of traffic to and from the port. [VAN 27/03/07]

NPA Sacks Another 3,000 Workers - 23/03/07
The Management of the Nigerian ports Authority [NPA], has laid off another 3,000 of its workers barely eight months after sacking 3000 workers in similar exercise and according to reports borrowed about N15 billion from two leading banks to finance the retrenchment. A press statement read "The gradual reduction of the staff strength of Nigerian Ports Authority in accordance with the on-going Port Reforms takes a further step today with the severance of officers and staff most, of whom have served for over 18 years." Umbrella body for the workers in the sector, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria [MWUN] is already poised for a showdown with management over the current wave of retrenchment and called on the National Assembly to direct the Minister of Transport and the Management of NPA to halt the exercise or the union would be forced to withdraw their members from the ports. [VAN 23/03/07]

Ogun Lays Ground Work for Industrial Parks, Earmarks N216b for FTZ - 20/03/07
Foundations for the establishment of a 20,000ha Industrial Park has been laid by the Ogun State Government and Chinese Investor. Situated along the Lagos-Ibadan Express Way, the industrial park is being constructed to facilitate the establishment of export oriented industries, thus contributing to the industrial development of the State and the nation. Ogun State Governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel said the first phase of the industrial park, will occupy 600ha comprising rubber products factory, vehicle Assembly Plants, Flour Mills, construction companies, plastic recycling firms including foods and beverage products. [VAN 20/03/07]

Nigeria, Ghana Yet To Resolve Maritime Boundary - 19/03/07
According to the National Boundary Commission Director-General Saddiq Diggi, Nigeria and Ghana are yet to resolve their maritime boundary of eight nautical miles. Diggi said the federal government was determined to define all the country’s boundaries both land and the high seas. The Commission have written to the Ghana Boundary Commission several times and visited Ghana to meet officials who have not yet responded. [The Tide 19/03/07]

NIMASA Sacks Top Management - 15/03/07
There are indications that the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NIMASA] formerly known as NAMASA after the recent merger, have approval from the Ministry of Transportation to fire some of its top management staff including directors and their deputies. Also some estimated 77 middle management staff will also be affected. [VAN 15/03/07]

Government Prepares New Guidelines for Free Trade Zones - 14/03/07
The federal government has drawn guidelines for the operation of Free Zones. The minister of commerce and industry, Aliyu Moddibo Umar disclosed this at a forum on the commencement of Olokola Free Trade Zone. He stated work on the guideline and policy have been concluded and is ready to be presented to the federal executive council for approval. He also explained that the government wants to also set up guidelines on the free zone of liquefied natural gas [LNG] adding;" it is the commitment of this administration to use the free zones scheme as a platform for the domestication of earnings in the oil and gas sector of the economy to enable the nation benefit maximally from this sector"

Meanwhile, the chief executive officer of Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority [NEPZA] Sina Agboluaje has disclosed that two major oil and gas projects of OKLNG in the OKFTZ and Brass LNG has concluded plans to move into the NLG free trade zone as a pioneer investor.

The OKLNG Free Trade Zone is a collaborative venture between Ogun and Ondo States Government. Benefits to the two states and the nation include: increase in revenue generation, social welfare development, Optimisation of Nigeria Labour, expansion of economic activities, linkage of local enterprises, addition of value to primary products through manufacturing/processing activities infrastructures development, generation of employment opportunities including opportunities for human capital development, as well as youth employment. The free trade zone is further designed to facilitate international trade, promote the diversification of the export base of the nation through the acceleration of export business with attendant incentives, promote rapid industrialisation and facilitate commerce, thereby harnessing the vast resources of the two states.

The first phase of the free trade zone is estimated at US$7 billion with Phase two valued at over US$10 billion. [TA 14/03/07]

Government Closes Third Mainland Bridge to Heavy Duty Vehicles - 10/03/07
Effective from 16/03/07, the Third Main Land bridge will be restricted to vehicles below 10 tonnes.The Minister of Transportation, Chief Cornelius Adebayo pointed out that other restrictions, such as diversion of traffic and control of axle loads will apply at the bridge heads. Adebayo noted the necessity for the prompt repair adding that Borini Prono have submitted preliminary drawings. [VAN 10/03/07]

Customs Begin Weekend, Night Operations in Ports - 16/02/07
The Customs Area Comptroller of Apapa Port Rashidi Taiwo has introduced weekend and night operations in the Port. Apapa will now be able to operate twenty-four hours a day. Time is money and the weekend and night operations has helped to reduce the time spent in clearing goods particularly transfer of containers to different Terminals and Bonded Warehouses. [DT 16/02/07]

$25bn Project For Niger-Delta Region - 16/02/07
A US$25 billion deep water port is to be constructed in the Niger Delta zone. In the first phase of a four-phase project, the port modelled after a Connecticut [USA] deep water port would be constructed in Bayelsa state, followed by other ancillary projects to be sited in Delta, Cross River and Rivers States. Described as potentially the biggest marine investment in Africa, the project, to be sited in the Niger Delta Areas of Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Cross River and possibly Akwa Ibom, would be done in phases spanning 15 years.

13,000 Dock Workers Face Sack - 08/02/07
At least 13,300 dockworkers will soon be relieved of their duties as part of government's efforts to handover the nation's seaports to private operators. After negotiations with the unions, government which initially earmarked N500 million for the exercise raised the amount to N2.6 billion for severance packages for those affected. According to Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority [NPA], Chief Adebayo Sarumi each redundant worker would receive N200,000. [DC 08/02/07]

Pre-Shipment of Oil & Gas Exports - 01/02/07
The Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme [NESS] has been enlarged to include oil and gas exports with effect from 1st February, 2007

Goods Should Not Be Shipped Until After Form M And LC Date - 01/02/07
The Central Bank of Nigeria, in its recently released revised Foreign Exchange [FOREX] Manual, is reported to have again re-emphasised the requirement that there should be no shipment of goods by suppliers prior to Form M acceptance by scanning companies and Letter of Credit issuance. Failure to comply will prevent the importer from obtaining foreign exchange from either the Central Bank of Nigeria or the autonomous market. [BNBC 01/02/07]

COTECNA And Customs Speed Clearance At Ports - 01/02/07
Mr Karingithi, Managing Director of Cotecna Destination Inspection Ltd, is reported to have told stakeholders in Lagos that the company is now processing Forms M within one day. He said the average processing time for Risk Assessment Reports [RARs] at seaports has been reduced to 2-3 days and that the time taken at airports has been reduced to 24 hours. He said documentation for over 80% of bulk cargo at Apapa is now processed within three days. He added that the company’s scanning services have been extended to seven days a week. The Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service, who addressed the same meeting, confirmed that the Service had commenced examination and release of containers on Saturdays and Sundays, but only at the premises of APM Terminals Ltd.

Other project milestones in Destination Inspection include the installation of x-ray scanners at Kano and Abuja, enhancement of VSAT [space communication] at Kano, development of VSAT and IT infrastructure in Jibya Land border, manpower development and high powered training of the Nigeria Customs. [BNBC 01/02/07]

SONCAP UK - Announcement - 01/02/07
Rebecca Lodge is handing over to Estelle Mann as UK SONCAP Coordinator dealing with all general SONCAP enquiries. She may be contacted on estelle.mann@intertek.com 01908 857707. Tony Woodford will handle all enquiries regarding VMT Inspection and product testing. His contact details are tony.woodford@intertek.com 01908 857722. Intertek Research and Performance Testing is at Davy Avenue, Knowlhill, Milton Keynes, MK5 8NL, phone 01908 857815, fax 01908 857832, www.intertek-etlsemko.com [BNBC 01/02/07]

Imo Wants Speedy Approval of Free Trade Zone - 26/01/07
The government of Imo State has called on the federal government to approve the establishment of a Free Trade Zone in the state. The governor, Achike Udenwa disclosed the Chinese had shown interest to assist in developing the Free Trade Zone. Once established, the trade zone will attract billions of dollars of Chinese investment and that it would turn around the economy of the state. The Managing Director of Nigerian Export Processing Zone Authority, Mr. Sina Agholuaje, confirmed that the state has filled all necessary document for the take off of the free zone and continued that the state needed the support of the federal government in the area of provision of more infrastructures.[DT 26/01/07]

Cargo Handling Increases In Ports - 25/01/07
Nigerian Ports handled 45million tonnes of cargo in 2005. This is the highest volume of cargo ever handled and is 12% higher than the 41milion tonnes handled in 2004. A breakdown of the 2005 cargo throughput figure obtained from the NPA shows that 29million tonnes or 64% were Inward Cargo [Imports and Domestic Incoming Cargo] while 16million or 36% were Outward Cargo [Export and Domestic Outgoing Cargo].

Jos Inland Container Depot Foundation Ceremony - 25/01/07
The Jos Inland Container Depot [ICD] project has been inaugurated with a foundation laying ceremony. apart from serving Jos and its immediate environs, the ICD would also serve shippers from Kaduna, Nasarawa and Benue States and other landlocked neighbouring countries. When completed, the Jos ICD will receive containerised and other cargoes basically by rail from Lagos or port Harcourt. It will also handle export cargoes from Plateau and other neighbouring states. The ICD in Jos is one of the six locations approved by the Federal Government for the sitting of ICDs and freight Stations. [DT 25/01/07]

Terminal Operators Protest Proposed Multiple Charges - 04/01/07
The Private Terminals Operators Association has protested against the proposed multiple charges by the National Maritime Administration and Safety Agency [NAMASA] bill on the members of the group, saying that the move would increase the cost of doing business at the nation's ports.

The protest was contained in a memorandum submitted to the Senate Committee at the on-going hearing of the NAMASA bill. The memorandum said that charges cannot be imposed, unless services are rendered, adding that multiplicity of levies without services would be unjustifiable. According to the Association the provision of the bill imposing levies and administration of funds accruing there from runs contrary to the provisions of the 1999 Constitution that all income received by the government must be paid into the Federation Accounts. The group also noted that the former National Maritime Authority [NMA] has not been able to account for the 3% per cent it has collected over the years, an additional 2.5% levy imposition making a total of 5.5% will bring about high cost of goods and services.

The Association also explained that if levies must be imposed, charges imposed by the Bureau of Public Enterprises [BPE] must be removed, as any increase in tariff is bound to defeat the whole essence of the port reform programme of government. The group is of the opinion that in as much as the idea of legalising the establishment of NAMASA is laudable, what the bill may end up creating is an industry leviathan rather than a vehicle for its sustainable, rapid, and rounded development. The bill according to the terminal operators will over-bureaucratise the system and ignore the country's firm resolve to deregulate the economy. The group said "On the face of it, there appears to be an eagerness to amass revenue for undeterminable goals without considering that ultimately and in an effort to reconcile distortions, cost always end up being passed on to the ordinary citizens".

Currently, 3% of gross freight on all international inbound and outbound cargoes from ships and shipping companies operating in Nigeria, even when only 2% is specified by law is being paid to NAMASA. A breakdown of the payment of the 3% levy is that 1% each is used for administration, training and ship acquisition. [VAN 04/01/07]

Imo Government Signs Agreement With Chinese Firm - 03/01/07
According to Governor Achike Udenwa mo State has signed a US$10 billion agreement with a Chinese firm, Guangdong Xinguang International, to establish a free trade zone within the state. 2,000 hectares of land located in Eziama Amalantu and Ikem axis of Ngor Okpala Council has been acquired for the purpose. Udenwa said the state government, appreciating the role of small medium enterprises as the engine of growth and development, has released N50 million to enable the SME operators to access the CBN Trust Fund for that purpose. [TD 03/01/07]

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Contacts and Links
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Port Authority - Lagos
Nigerian Port Authority (Lagos)
PMB 12588
26/28 Marina
Lagos
Tel: +234 1 260 0620
Fax: + 234 1 263 0306

Port Authority - Port Harcourt
PMB 5043
Port Harcourt
Tel: + 23484 300370

Nigerian Shippers Council
Shippers’ Towers 4
Park Lane, Apapa P.M.B 50617
Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: 234 (1) 5451799 - 234 (1) 5452983 - 234 (1) 5451354
Fax: 234 (1) 5452906

SONCAP Liaison Office
Since March 2005 the Nigerian Product Conformity Assessment Programme [SONCAP] scheme has been in place. The work is carried out by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria [SON] on a sole-mandate basis.

Standards Organisation of Nigeria
Northern Business District, Plot 13/14,
Victoria Arobieke Street,
Off Admiralty Way,
Lekki Peninsula Phase 1, Lekki,
Lagos, Nigeria
Tel: + 234 (01) 2713141/43
Fax: + 234 (01) 2713142
E-mail: info@soncap.com
Website: www.soncap.com

Cotecna Destination Inspection (Head Office)
Oyo State House,
4th Floor, Ralph Shodehine Street,
Central Business District,
ABUJA
Tel +234 9 234 58 54
Fax +234 9 234 30 70
Email: abubakar.mujeli@cotecna.ch
Website: www.cotecna.com

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