Exporters are re-routing cargoes to Port Harcourt and Calabar ports as congestion hampered business activities at the Lagos port.
Port congestion is a major challenge in Africa’s maritime sector.
In Nigeria, the problem is compounded by abandoned cargoes.
Temitayo Akorede, operation officer, Wameny Nigeria Limited, said the development caused a surge at the Port Harcourt port.
Akorede said the Port Harcourt port is now attracted to exporters because of the seamless clearing process and documentation, making business less difficult.
“I am very certain of Port Harcourt. In Port Harcourt, there is less paperwork process, unlike Lagos, which demands unnecessary documentation,” Akorede told newsmen.
Adeola Adegoke, president of the Cocoa Farmers Association Nigeria (CFAN), also confirmed to newsmen that shippers are now moving their cargoes through Calabar Port rather than Lagos Port.
‘Yes indeed, and the fact that Apapa port has a lot of congestion now,” Adeola said.