Manufacturers Association Appeals for More Waivers to Utilize Calabar Ports

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has requested additional waivers from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to better utilize the Calabar ports. The appeal was made on Wednesday during a familiarization visit by MAN’s leadership to the Calabar port facility, aimed at enhancing collaboration.

Usen Umoh, Acting Chairman of the Cross River and Akwa Ibom States branch of MAN, highlighted the growing interest among manufacturers in these states to use Calabar’s port facilities. He emphasized that with Calabar port now operational, manufacturers no longer need to endure the long journey to Onne Port in Rivers State or Badagry Port in Lagos State for exporting or receiving goods, particularly due to the poor road infrastructure.

“We are pleased that Calabar Port has become functional and active. Many of our members are already utilizing it,” Umoh said. “We request the management to grant additional waivers for our export-bound goods and to fully utilize the 180-day window allowed for local manufacturers to export and import through Calabar Port.”

Barrister Ekanem Bassey, representing Port Manager Olumati Festus, acknowledged the port’s increased activity. She noted that Calabar Port now handles significant bulk cargo and general cargo, with 16 to 18 mega ships of up to 190 LOA capacity docking monthly. Despite this, many manufacturers still prefer the longer, more stressful routes through Onne or Lagos ports.

Bassey stated, “We offer numerous concessions and waivers to encourage the use of Calabar Port and reduce the expenses and stress associated with other distant ports.” She also mentioned that the port has three automated terminals and has resolved previous dredging issues.

Traffic Manager Albert Alaleye added that efforts are underway to inform firms in Cross River and Akwa Ibom about the port’s capabilities. He confirmed that Calabar Port also services the Adamawa/Taraba/Borno axis and neighboring countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea. The port prefers flat-bottom vessels due to tidal conditions and has equipment capable of handling various types of cargo.

Previous post The Ill-Conceived Ban on “Underage” University Admissions: A Symptom of Deeper Issues in Nigerian Education
Next post Progressives Governors’ Forum Urges Restraint Amidst Economic Reforms

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *