LAGOS — The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA has announced a major drop in the cost of transporting containers from the Apapa Port, with haulage charges plummeting by over 70 per cent.
Chairman of ANLCA’s Apapa Chapter, Emeka Chukwumalu, disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Dr. Babatunde Olomu, to the association’s headquarters in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
According to Chukwumalu, the cost of moving containers has fallen from N1.2 million to as low as N350,000 — a development he described as a welcome relief for port users and stakeholders.
“This reduction has positively impacted the operational costs and profitability of licensed customs agents,” Chukwumalu said.
Click Here to Join Our Whatsapp Channel
He noted that the previous high cost was largely due to inefficiencies in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Eto Call-up system, compounded by illegal checkpoints and widespread corruption. Port users had long decried the delays and extortion that inflated haulage rates.
Click Here to join our Whatsapp
Chukwumalu also commended the Apapa Customs Controller for introducing a training programme for clearing agents, which he said has significantly improved port operations.
“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 noted.
“Furthermore, the training has delivered substantial financial benefits for our members. We are incredibly grateful for the drastic reduction in local transportation costs—from the exorbitant N1.2 million to a manageable N350,000,” he added.
The development signals a potential turning point for cargo movement at Apapa, Nigeria’s busiest seaport, and may encourage further investment and efficiency in the maritime logistics chain.
