WACT Boosts International Trade With Commissioning Of Container Freight Station In Rivers

By Obiabin Onukwugha

APM Terminals’ West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) has achieved a significant milestone in Nigeria’s international trade with the official commissioning of its new Container Freight Station (CFS) at Onne Port, Rivers State.

The CFS, according to the Managing Director of WACT, Jeethu Jose, will act as a central hub for various trade-related activities, including interaction with regulatory authorities and seamlessly connect businesses in Eastern Nigeria to the global marketplace and vice versa.

He said the facility will also support in streamlining processes for import and export operations and reduce time and cost for customers.

He said the CFS is designed to expedite the movement of key Nigerian commodities like agro products and solid minerals, ensuring Just-in-Time (JIT) service delivery through efficient stuffing and swift transfers to the port.

Jose, who spoke during the commissioning of the CFS at Onne, Rivers State, on Monday, explained that the facility also offers a reliable warehousing service for both import and export cargo across diverse sectors.

He said: “The CFS will serve as a one-stop-shop where all our customers can consolidate their exports. The facility will aid the Nigerian government’s drive to promote export and generate forex, which will be beneficial to the country and the economy.”

Also, WACT Commercial Manager, Ismaila Badjie, who described the facility as the first of its kind in Onne Port, noted that the CFS provides cost effective services and saves cost for customers

He said: “The Container Freight Station has a lot of benefits to the customer. It is cost effective and also ensures that there is as little as possible in terms of waste of time. The facility will help the customers in the non-oil exports. This facility will also continue to support and ensure that natural produce are available abroad, and will directly or indirectly aid creation of jobs.”

On his part, the Customs Area Controller, Port Harcourt II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Baba Imam, congratulated WACT for the facility and for its milestone achievements at the port.

Imam said, “By constructing this edifice, we will be able to facilitate trade. It entails that WACT is transforming and trying to be consistent in the way and manner they keep adding value, which is a clear manifestation of the kind of commitment they have in trying to be consistent in the transformation agenda they have. From the perspective of Customs, one of the cardinal mandate we have is trade facilitation.”

He assured the terminal operator of continuous support in its drive to enhance service delivery at the port.