The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced a policy requiring all shipping companies operating in Nigeria to establish holding bays for empty c
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has introduced a policy requiring all shipping companies operating in Nigeria to establish holding bays for empty containers and manage their return to ports. This directive, part of broader efforts to alleviate congestion at port terminals and along port corridors, emerged from a recent stakeholders’ meeting.
The policy mandates that shipping companies must provide NPA-approved holding bays for empty containers, ensuring efficient offloading and return. These bays must be listed on the NPA’s Eto platform.
Traffic streamlining
The shipping companies are required to specify the designated holding bays on TDOs, giving truck drivers clear instructions on where to return empty containers. The NPA’s SOP now governs the return of empty containers, requiring strict compliance to streamline the process and reduce congestion.
The movement of empty containers to ports will be coordinated by shipping companies and their holding bays. Truck drivers must adhere to designated time slots for these transfers. The initiative aims to tackle the surge in port traffic and streamline container returns to terminals.
Coordinated efforts are expected to enhance container evacuation efficiency and overall port functionality. Mr. Temi Ogungbemi, an NPA spokesperson, expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to improve port operations significantly. He emphasized that successful implementation would depend on the commitment and cooperation of shipping companies and related stakeholders.
This directive places additional responsibility on shipping companies to ensure logistical compliance and maintain operational efficiency. For truck drivers and port operators, adhering to the SOP and designated schedules will be critical to the policy’s success.