The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has announced a major drop in haulage costs at Apapa Port, with container transport prices falling by over 70%.
During a courtesy visit on Tuesday by the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Dr. Babatunde Olomu, to the ANLCA headquarters in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, the Chairman of the Apapa Chapter, Emeka Chukwumalu, revealed the cost of transporting containers has dropped from a peak of ₦1.2 million to ₦350,000.
Stakeholders have long attributed the previously high costs to flaws in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Eto Call-up system, which led to prolonged delays for trucks accessing the port. These issues were worsened by illegal checkpoints and corruption.
Chukwumalu noted that the sharp decline has significantly reduced operational costs and improved profitability for customs agents. He also praised the Apapa Customs Command for recently organizing a training programme for clearing agents, describing it as a turning point.
“The comprehensive training has been instrumental in equipping our members to overcome the initial challenges of the Eto system. It has streamlined operations and significantly improved efficiency,” he said.
He added that the training not only boosted professionalism but also contributed to the financial relief experienced by agents.
“We are incredibly grateful for the drastic reduction in local transportation costs—from the exorbitant ₦1.2 million to a manageable ₦350,000,” Chukwumalu stated.
More Stories
Nigeria donates 100,000 cashew seeds, 2,000 seedlings to Ethiopia
Customs Seize 2,800 Bags of Sm¥ggled Rice Worth Over N919 Million at Seme Border
Nigerians Regaining Confidence in the Naira — CBN Governor Cardoso