NAHCO says Cargo clearance on course at Lagos airport

Clearance of goods at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA) Ikeja, Lagos, is ongoing and should end by the first week of January, Norbert Bielderman , Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of nahco aviance, has assured.

Tayo Ajakaye, , the Company’s spokesman, quoted Bielderman as saying that everything is under control and work is progressing at full blast.

“All hands have been on deck to ensure that the backlog is cleared. Currently we have cleared approximately 60 percent. We are hopeful that the situation will be back to normal by the end of the first week of 2015. We currently do 24 hours decongestion on the tarmac, which has yielded positive result,” he stated.
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The nahco aviance boss restated that the seven-days-a-week work strategy adopted by the Company had gone a long way in reducing the volume of cargo on the tarmac.

On whether this strategy also meant that work would continue at Christmas, Bielderman said, “By joint agreement between terminal operators, clearing agents and Customs, it was decided that work be put off for the public holidays of 25 and 26 of December 2014. Full operations had resumed on December 27 till the end of 2014. This will enable all concerned to have a little rest and re-energise. This position was agreed between all stakeholders in cargo clearing business.”

Bielderman also disclosed that because of the nature of the task at hand, the senior management team and himself would be on ground during the holidays and would continue to work until the situation gets back to normal. In his exact words, “Due to the situation in cargo, I will not be going on leave. My senior management team and myself will be on ground during this holiday season until the situation is back to normal in cargo.”

He commended the excellent working relationship with stakeholders adding that everyone is doing great to ensure the situation is contained, particularly Customs and clearing agents’ leadership

He however appealed to importers for their understanding during this period, even as he promised that nahco aviance is doing everything possible to ensure that their shipments are delivered safely without further delay.

“We truly never envisage this situation. However, all necessary mechanisms have been put in place to guide against a repeat of this ugly incident,” he re-assured.

Bielderman also expressed appreciation to clearing agents for their support and cooperation and requested them to sustain the current trend.

“The entire board and management of nahco aviance like to appreciate all our client airlines, clearing agents, customs, FAAN, and other critical stakeholders in air cargo for the support and cooperation in this critical period. We wish them all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in advance,” he added.