Onne port woos Onitsha importers with faster clearance

DDM News

Efforts to decongest Lagos ports and encourage regional economic growth received a boost as operators of the Onne Multipurpose Terminal in Rivers State appealed to importers in Onitsha, Anambra State, to explore the advantages of using the Onne Seaport for their cargo clearing operations.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the awareness campaign took place during a sensitisation programme held in Onitsha, where stakeholders from the Onne terminal, including representatives of ICTSI, Onne Multipurpose Terminal, and PIL Shipping Line, met with members of the Onitsha business community.

Chief Ifeanyi Isikaku, Chairman of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Seaport Chapter, led the delegation and stressed the numerous benefits available to importers who route their goods through Onne.

He pointed out that Onne Port has functioned efficiently for over five years without significant customer complaints and continues to provide seamless services under updated customs procedures.

Speaking to the media, Isikaku said, “Some people in the Southeast are not fully informed about the immense benefits of Onne Port. That’s why we are here, to enlighten them and encourage them to consider this option.”

He explained that the port now operates under the Nigerian Customs’ improved platform known as “License Two – Obi Odogwu,” which has enhanced cargo clearance speed and transparency.

According to Isikaku, cargoes cleared at Onne can reach Onitsha within five days, a logistical advantage not easily attainable at Lagos ports, which often suffer delays due to congestion and bottlenecks.

He assured the Onitsha importers that challenges raised during the event would be addressed by clearing agents in attendance, thereby encouraging wider usage of Onne terminal facilities.

Other industry leaders present at the sensitisation event included Chief Ambrose Muzi, Chairman of Marine Gulf Shipping Agency; Hon. Ike Okechukwu Anselem, Chairman of NAGGAF, Onne; and Obinna Kenneth Ugochukwu, Chairman of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, Onne.

Bimbo Ogunwale, Terminal Manager at Onne Terminal, highlighted key operational policies that favour importers.

He said the port listens to customer complaints and ensures containers are insured.

Additionally, demurrage begins only after containers arrive at their final destination, not at the terminal, another departure from policies in other Nigerian ports.

Ogunwale added that once containers are offloaded in Onitsha, there is no need to return them to Onne, further reducing transport burdens for importers.

The Onne terminal currently operates with three berths and receives some of Nigeria’s largest vessels, including LNG carriers.

With operations spread across 30 terminals in 120 countries, the terminal is globally connected and equipped to handle both general and container cargo.

Chidi David Nkume of PIL Nigeria Limited added that the shipping line, which has been in business for over 67 years, ranks 12th globally and has a strong presence in China and the Middle East, offering customers reliable and efficient services.

As importers in the Southeast weigh their logistics options, Onne Port’s aggressive drive for patronage may herald a shift in Nigeria’s port usage patterns and open up new economic opportunities in the region.

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