By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has projected a significant increase in cargo traffic at Lagos ports with the expected arrival of 33 vessels carrying petroleum products, food items and other essential commodities between July 8 and July 20.
The development is expected to bolster the country’s supply chain, support industrial production and improve the availability of critical imports, while reinforcing the strategic role of Lagos ports in Nigeria’s maritime and commercial activities.
According to the NPA’s latest Daily Shipping Position, the vessels will berth at Apapa Port, Tin Can Island Port and Lekki Deep Sea Port. Of the expected arrivals, 10 are container vessels transporting assorted cargo, while the remaining 23 will deliver petroleum products and bulk commodities.
The cargoes include Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, aviation fuel, diesel, crude oil, bulk wheat, bulk urea, fresh fish and other general merchandise needed to meet industrial and consumer demand.
Industry stakeholders say the scheduled arrivals are expected to sustain the flow of essential imports, improve cargo throughput and strengthen operations across Nigeria’s busiest seaports.
The anticipated increase in vessel traffic is also expected to support businesses that rely on imported raw materials and finished goods, while contributing to more efficient port activities and trade facilitation.
It is also anticipated to boost port operations, support businesses that depend on maritime trade and reinforce the role of Lagos ports as the country’s leading hub for imports and commercial shipping.
The NPA also revealed that nine ships are currently waiting to berth at the ports. The vessels are carrying petrol, diesel, crude oil, fresh fish, bulk wheat, general cargo and containers.
In addition, the authority said 25 ships are already discharging their cargoes at the Apapa, Tin Can Island and Lekki Deep Sea ports.
The cargoes being discharged include containers, petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, crude oil, bulk wheat, millet, bulk sugar and general cargo, while one of the vessels is undergoing repairs.
The steady inflow of vessels underscores the strategic role of the Lagos ports as Nigeria’s leading maritime gateway, handling a significant share of the country’s imports, including petroleum products, agricultural commodities and manufactured goods.
Industry stakeholders expect the continued vessel traffic to enhance the availability of essential commodities, strengthen supply chains and support manufacturing, agriculture and energy sectors that depend heavily on imported raw materials and petroleum products.
The NPA publishes its Daily Shipping Position to provide importers, exporters, shipping companies and other port users with timely information on vessel arrivals, berthing schedules and cargo operations across the nation’s seaports.
Source: Sun
