By Pita Ochai
The Tin Can Island Container Terminal Limited (TICT) has invested about N70billion on the provision and development of facilities at the terminal since it commenced operation in 2006.
This was disclosed by TICT Managing Director, Mr. Etienne Rocher in Lagos during a visit by the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Rocher said that the terminal has also improved on service delivery at the terminal located within the Tin Can Island Port Complex since it commenced operation.
He said after taking over from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), TICT has recorded what he called “massive development.”
He explained that part of the development recorded at its terminal was as a result of effective service delivery as vessel no longer experience congestion at sea because there are available berthing spaces at the quayside.
He said there has been tremendous improvement in vessel turnaround time at the terminal as vessels now spend only a few hours at berthing point to discharge their consignments as against over 30 days spent for the same purpose before concession.
He commended the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders for their cooperation, promising that his company was committed to further development of port operation in Nigeria.
He said the challenges faced by the terminal include the traffic gridlock and large human traffic around the Tin Can Island Port both of which are outside the control of TICT.
Bello, who was accompanied on the visit by other officials of the NSC commended TICT for its investment at the port. He promised to engage relevant bodies especially the various associations of freight forwarders to look into ways of reducing the number of their members that go to the port.
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