The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has disclosed that it had made buses available for freight forwarders and other port users during the lockdown in Lagos. This is to ensure seamless movement for the essential service personnel.
A statement from the council indicated that interested members could benefit from the service with take-off points in Apple Junction, Festac, Alakija under bridge, by National Stadium Surulere, Charity Bus Stop, Oshodi and Ikeja Along Bus Stop at exactly 8 am.
The NSC added in support for the fight against the deadly coronavirus raging in the country, it procured protective gear for port users worth N5m to be distributed to relevant field and operational staff.
It said the council also donated the sum of N5m to be used collectively in the fight against COVID-19 in Lagos and Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
While the NSC added that it had been inundated with complaints that banks were not offering services with respect to port operations, it lamented that it would hamper cargo clearance from the ports.
It stated, “The attention of the banks is, therefore, drawn to the notice by the Federal Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Nigeria, which allows operations in the financial system.
“We note that port operations as indicated by the President are essential and critical services.”
The council called for synergy among port users and government agencies to support the Federal Government in containing the scourge of the deadly virus while making it possible to sustain port operations during this period.
The NSC said it identified with the proactive measures put in place by the Federal Government through the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control among others.
