CEM REPORT | The Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) has allegedly blocked the rail track intended to link the Apapa, Lagos seaport with rail with seized contraband goods.
During and oversight visit of the Senate Committee on Land Transportation, the Project Manager, Team Construction Company, Mrs Precious Ebare, disclosed this as a major challenge on completing the Apapa rail track adding that the Customs long room situated around the rail right of way was also yet to be demolished, making it impossible to proceed with the project
She also mentioned that insufficient power supply at Ibadan station was also affecting the completion of the rail project.
She further urged the committee to get power companies to improve supply, to enable them finish their project within the scheduled time frame.
According to Guardian, Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) when contacted, alleged that the seized contraband goods blocking the rail track were to be removed by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), according to service Public Relations Officer, Apapa Area Command of NCS, Abubakar Usman.
“The contraband seized by Customs are to be moved by NPA not by the Nigeria Customs Service.”
“This process includes some administrative exchange between the two agencies, which had already taken place. Logistics are already underway to evacuate the containers to government warehouse Ikorodu,” he stated.
On the long room demolition, he said the room is outside the construction area, noting that the track design makes room for a part of the building to be demolished and not the entire building.
“The long room is not meant to be demolished. Customs’ long room is outside the port, far away from where the construction is ongoing. Furthermore, the rail track is designed to bypass the scanning site, making room for part of the building to be demolished.”
NPA is yet to comment on the issue.
