Business

Rail project: NPA intervenes in CCECC, port operators’ row over demolition

Published

4 years ago

December 3, 2020

Nigerian Ports Authority has intervened in the feud between APM Terminals and the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) over the demolition of some sections of the Lagos Ports Complex (LPC).

The move, it was learnt, was to ensure that the dispute does not in any way impede on port operations.

The CCECC, a firm handling the Federal Government new rail project, had last week commenced demolition of some sections at the Apapa ports to create room for the construction of the rail lines into the ports complex.

But APM Terminal viewed this as impeding on its operations.

The demolition which took place last week saw some freight forwarders protesting against the action of the CCECC, arguing that their goods which had been cleared got trapped inside the ports as a result of the action.

Head, Corporate Communication at the NPA, Adams Jatto, confirmed that efforts were on going to ensure a peaceful settlement of the feud.

He said the management of NPA under the leadership of the Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman, swung into action to ensure that port operations did not suffer as a result of the ongoing standard gauge rail construction.

He said the matter was under control and that there was not cause for alarm.

“We are already talking with the rail project manager of the contractor and the terminal operators to see how we can mitigate the effects of the rail construction on port operations.

“Don’t forget that the rail project is a necessity that the nation has to implement to ensure that the ports are well connected to efficient rail services. However, we are discussing with them so that they can look at their programme and see how we can have an unhindered port operation while the rail project construction is ongoing” he said.

Operations at the Apapa container terminal, operated by APM Terminals were last week paralysed when the CCECC mobilised to site, blocking the truck exit gate and began demolition of structures inside the port terminal, thereby hampering Customs inspection, and affecting the release and exit of containers.

Importers and clearing agents complained that they been unable to conclude their transactions as at when due while loaded trucks had been unable to exit the port terminal.

The situation has reportedly compounded the Apapa gridlock as trucks piled up on the port access road.

President of the Nigerian Importers Integrity Association (NIIA), Godwin Onyekazi, said although the government should be commended for linking the seaports to the rail network, the project should be implemented in a way that would not hamper port operation.

He said, “What we observed at the Apapa port today shows poor coordination of the rail project. The Chinese contractors handling the rail project should have coordinated with the Nigerian Ports Authority and all the terminal operators at the port to ensure that while the construction is ongoing, port operations are not hampered.

“There is a huge backlog of containers in the port as we speak. To now block the port at this time and make it impossible for containers to exit the port is counterproductive.

“This is also the peak season for importation. More goods are coming into the country and this disruption will mean that these goods will be stranded at the port.

“Consequently, importers will be made to bear the brunt of this action because their goods will be trapped inside the port and they will not be able to take them to the market in good time. Also, they will end up paying more as demurrage and storage charges. This is not good at all.”

Auto

Updated: Exploded CNG car in Benin illegally converted, used fake parts – NIPCO, PCNGi

Published

11 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Updated: Exploded CNG car in Benin illegally converted, used fake parts – NIPCO, PCNGi

The Presidential CNG Initiative has said the car explosion that occurred on Wednesday at a filling station in Benin City, Edo State, was caused by illegal conversion of a petrol vehicle to run on Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

The management of NIPCO Gas Limited also in a separate statement attributed the explosion at its CNG station in Benin to a fake and substandard CNG cylinder installed in the vehicle.

The newly retrofitted CNG-powered car exploded at the NIPCO filling station, causing panic in the area with many injured people rushed to the hospital.

Video footage circulating on social media shows the aftermath, with the vehicle severely damaged and people in the area rushing to assist the injured.

Comparing the high cost of petrol to cheaper CNG, about 70% is said to be saved running a vehicle on the CNG.

Findings by newstrends also show that conversion from petrol to CNG will cost ₦1.5 million, depending on the engine size.

Auto

Carloha promotes CNG at NATCO 2024, delights with Arrizo 5 conversion display

Published

17 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Carloha promotes CNG at NATCO 2024, delights with Arrizo 5 conversion display

Carloha, assembler of Chery brand of vehicles in Nigeria, has joined a league of prominent auto firms promoting the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as a sustainable vehicle fuel option in the country.

This was demonstrated by its spectacular display at the just concluded Nigerian Artisans and Technicians Conference (NATCO) held in Lagos where it showcased the Chery Arrizo 5’s CNG conversion capability, a significant step towards more eco-friendly transportation solutions in Nigeria.

The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) was launched last year under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to ease the impact of fuel subsidy removal on Nigerians by reducing energy costs.

Although the NATCO event organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment took place a week ago on October 10, 2024, the Chery Arrizo CNG demonstration was found captivating and made a lasting impression on the automobile technicians and artisans in attendance.

It was indeed a major highlight of the event as Arrizo 5 CNG technology shows a combination of Chery’s modern design aesthetics with state-of-the-art technology, making it a stand-out option for eco-conscious consumers.

The vehicle is said to offer impressive fuel efficiency that translates to lower running costs for everyday drivers, with lower carbon emissions, contributing to a cleaner, greener future for Nigeria’s roads.

Carloha’s technical team at the event said the system allows a driver of the vehicle to switch from CNG to petrol and vise versa, giving people flexibility, cost savings, and a lower environmental footprint.

The technicians were impressed with the vehicle’s adaptability and ease of use, receiving practical insights into the CNG system, maintenance tips, and the long-term benefits for Nigerian drivers and mechanics alike.

Aftersales Manager at Carloha Nigeria, Mr. Samson Akinbowale, said, “This demonstration at NATCO is part of Carloha’s commitment to introducing cutting-edge technology and more sustainable energy options to the Nigerian automobile sector.

“We recognise the vital role technicians and artisans play in vehicle maintenance and are committed to empowering them with the knowledge and tools to adapt to this new wave of automotive innovation.”

The Conference convener, Mr. Dayo Bello, expressing appreciating Carloha Nigeria, said, “We are very grateful to all our supporters, especially Carloha, for the Chery display and CNG demonstration.

“We are equally glad to see that great things are beginning to happen in the automotive sectors, especially the assembling of new vehicles and the conversion of CNG interface with petrol engines that will help to save the cost of transportation in Nigeria.”

A statement by Carloha says it is proud to be at the forefront of promoting sustainable driving solutions in Nigeria, and the NATCO Conference was a testament to our ongoing efforts to introduce innovative vehicles that align with global environmental standards.

Carloha is the official dealer of Chery vehicles in Nigeria, offering a wide range of models that cater to diverse customer needs.

It says, “With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Carloha is dedicated to providing Nigerian motorists with cutting-edge automotive solutions, alongside excellent customer service and after-sales support.

“Carloha Nigeria offers a remarkable 6-year warranty/200,000 kilometres, 6-year free service on all Chery vehicles, a flexible auto financing solution with the best price for all vehicles, and 247 services and parts support nationwide.

“This ensures that owners can enjoy their Chery with confidence, knowing they have reliable support and service from Chery for years to come.”

Business

Naira trades for N1,680/$ in parallel market

Published

22 hours ago

October 17, 2024

Trends Admin

Naira trades for N1,680/$ in parallel market

The Naira, yesterday, appreciated to N1,680 per dollar in the parallel market from N1,690 per dollar last weekend.

Similarly, the Naira appreciated to N1,552.92 per dollar in the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market, NAFEM.

Data from FMDQ showed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM fell to N1,552.92 per dollar from N1,641.27 per dollar last weekend, indicating N88.35 appreciation for the Naira.

The volume of dollars traded (turnover) in the official market declined by 44 per cent to $343.71 million from $616.73 million traded last Friday.

Consequently, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rate widened to N127.08 per dollar from N48.73 per dollar last weekend.