13th August, 2010
Containers belonging to the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), which have been lying at the terminal for about three years, are to enjoy 70 per cent waiver of charges, the management of AP Mollers Terminals, Apapa, Lagos, has announced.
The leading port terminal operating company approved the waiver in order to support the Federal Government’s drive to enhance generation and distribution of electricity in the country.
The Managing, Mr. Martin Dirks, said the concession was in line with the company’s philosophy of supporting the growth of the Nigerian economy and in deference to the directive of Vice President Namadi Sambo who requested that all concerned stakeholders should make necessary sacrifice to achieve government’s desire of providing uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians.
“I must commend the Federal Government and indeed the Vice President for the passionate commitment he has exhibited in this regard and the least we can do at our end is to support the government. This is why we have granted this waiver of up to 70 per cent. It is costing us a lot of money but we are very happy to do it in support of the Nigerian economy and the good people of this nation,†Dirks stated.
He added that APMT is working with the special committee set up by the Vice President, and headed by Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, Olufemi Taylor, to ensure that all the NIPP 250 containers are cleared within the next two weeks.
Vice President Sambo, had on Wednesday in Abuja, assured all shipping companies and terminal operators that government would give an indemnity/guarantee for the payment of whatever amount was due to the Lines and Terminal Operators and gave a standing order that the NIPP containers must leave the port within two weeks of receipt of the indemnity/guarantee.
—Esther Komolafe