Nairametrics| As the strike at Lagos ports enters its second day, estimates for the losses by the NCS is running into billions. Below are the key points about the strike:
- The strike is by clearing agents and truck drivers.
- The strike is in it’s second day.
- The suspension of operations is in protest of the poor state of the roads leading to the ports.
- The NCS is estimated to have lost N3 billion to the strikes.
- The estimated losses exclude revenues lost by other operators such as Nimasa, SON and the NPA.
- The losses could further increase if the strike continues.
The Apapa ports were established in 1913 and is the major port in Nigeria. To enhance efficiency, 5 terminals in the ports were concessioned to private operators in 2006. Heavy traffic at the Apapa ports led to the construction of the Tin can ports in 1976, and it’s commissioning in 1977. The terminals at the tin can ports were also concessioned in 2006. A furtherance of the strike means the NCS could fall short of its monthly and yearly targets.
The strike comes at a time efforts are being made to fix the roads. MD of the NPA, Hadiza Usman announced a collaboration between the NPA, Flour Mills and Dangote industries to fix the access roads to the port. A total of N4.3 billion is to be spent with the NPA contributing N1.8 billion and N2.5 billion by Flour Mills and Dangote industries.