APAPA: Middle East crisis responsible for resurgence of traffic gridlock — Shippers

By Efe Onodjae

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has attributed the resurgence of traffic congestion and operational hiccups along the Apapa port corridor to disruptions in the global supply chain triggered by the ongoing Middle East crisis.

The Council’s position comes amid growing concerns by stakeholders over the return of gridlock on the Mile 2-Apapa Expressway, where truck queues, delayed cargo evacuation and port congestion have left motorists and businesses counting losses.

While maritime operators, truckers and freight forwarders have blamed shipping lines, congestion shipping terminals and delays in the evacuation of empty containers for the traffic build-up, the NSC said the situation must also be viewed within the context of ongoing disruptions to global shipping and logistics caused by tensions in the Middle East.

Responding to Vanguard enquiries on the development through a WhatsApp message, the Deputy Director, Regulatory Services, NSC, Adaora Nwonu, acknowledged the concerns raised by stakeholders, noting that the delays have significant implications for trade and supply chain efficiency.

Her words; “The concerns as expressed above are appreciable considering the spiral effect of these delays. These congestions arose and have been a feature since the Middle East crisis.

“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is engaging with the service providers on this development, which, to a large extent, has been caused by the Middle East crisis.

“There is a backlog in the outbound clearance of cargo, as a result of this, which is being managed so far to ensure there are minimal disruptions to the chain. 

“We expect that as mediation and resolution talks progress, transit times would be cut significantly and immediately alleviate the global supply chain.”

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