The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has revealed that the cost of transporting containers from Apapa Port has dropped by over 70 per cent.

Speaking on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Command, Dr. Babatunde Olomu, to the ANLCA headquarters in Amuwo Odofin, Lagos, the Chairman of the Apapa Chapter, Emeka Chukwumalu, said the cost of haulage has significantly declined from an initial N1.2 million to an all-time low of N350,000, much to the delight of stakeholders.

Recall that port users had previously blamed the high cost of haulage on irregularities in the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Eto Call-up system, which caused trucks to spend days gaining access to the port. These challenges were further compounded by illegal checkpoints and corruption.

Chukwumalu added that the reduction has positively impacted the operational costs and profitability of licensed customs agents.

However, Chukwumalu commended the Apapa Customs Controller for the training programme recently conducted for clearing agents, describing it as a major step in addressing operational challenges at the port.

“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 said.

“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.”