As part of efforts in finding lasting solution to the Apapa gridlock, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with APM Capital to extend the use of barges to evacuate containers from the ports in Lagos to Epe.
Speaking when she hosted a team from APM Capital on Wednesday, the NPA Managing Director, Hadiza Bala-Usman, said the problem of Apapa access road seems intractable because of decade-long decadence, which was caused by multiplicity of problems.
Usman said NPA had made several efforts including contributing ₦1.8 billion to rehabilitate the road at a time as well as implementing the truck call-up system.
She said NPA would continue to consult with stakeholders across all levels, since the provision of infrastructure is crucial for sustainable port operations.
Usman further assured that NPA would build on the synergy that exist with stakeholders and also commended the Ministers of Transportation, the Board of Directors of NPA, and the management of APM Capital for the barging initiative.
Senior Investment Advisor of APM Capital, Fleming Dalgaard assured on the construction of a jetty and truck park to facilitate the movement of cargo with barges from the port.
He said APM Capital will provide necessary technical expertise, funds and other resources needed to actualize the project.
The MoU has it that NPA, in realization of the fact that the provision of infrastructure is crucial for sustainable operation of ports, has continued to pursue a programme of infrastructural investments.