In line with ECM Terminals Limited’s drive to make Calabar a viable alternative for shippers who are willing to explore other options outside the currently congested ports in Nigeria, she played host to Starlink Global & Ideal Limited who commenced the bulk export of Cocoa from ECM Terminals Limited with the arrival of their vessel M/V Thorco Liva on the 21st March 2021.
As part of the events to mark the maiden export of Cocoa in bulk from the terminal, a commemorative ceremony was held to mark the day as well as showcase the potentials of ECM Terminals Limited.
While it is common knowledge that Calabar Port which is located in Cross River State has faced draft limitations for over 14 years after concession, the ingenuity of ECM Terminals Limited led to the maiden export of cocoa beans from the seaport.
The feat is a turning point in the history of Calabar port and it signals improving non-oil export from Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony in Calabar, the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala Usman said the authority was pursuing the Federal Government’s economic recovery agenda through consistent improvement on quality of service delivery at the nation’s seaports, especially the Eastern Ports.
The Managing Director applauded the initiative of Starlink Global & Ideal Limited and also used the opportunity to call on all shippers and port users within the Northern and Eastern flanks to follow the example set and bring their cargo to Calabar and other Eastern Ports noting that such actions will certainly ease the pressure on Lagos Ports.
The Acting General Manager, ECM Terminals Limited Calabar, Engr Edward Akpan, said the company had identified the gaps that hinders diverse business opportunities that abound in the maritime domain in Nigeria and Calabar pilotage district in particular, and stated that despite the challenges, ECMT has consistently marketed the port to prospective users.
In addition to other services going on at the terminal, the recent export of bulk commodities such as PKS, Clinker, Cement and now Cocoa is a testament to the efforts being put in place to show that Calabar Port is ready to alleviate the sufferings of port users in Nigeria.
According to him, ECM Terminals Limited Calabar Port is an alternate port for trade facilitation and must be seen as a critical evacuation corridor for cargo to/from the catchment areas.
Applauding the NPA for the recent incentive granted to container liners willing to call the Eastern Ports, Akpan called for reintroduction of a rebate regime for all port users in a bid to drive traffic to Calabar port. He also mentioned that the non-completion of the dredging of the channel to the advertised draft of 9.4 meters was today the biggest threat to the development of the port with adverse effect on its functionality.
He therefore urged the government to ensure the channel is urgent dredged. He also stressed the need to integrate Calabar Port with the National Rail Link as the benefits of a multi-modal Calabar Port will be a huge asset to the Nation’s economy.
In his remark, the Managing Director, Starlink Global & Ideal Limited, Adeyemi Adeniji stressed the need for government to encourage local investors who were willing to take the risk to ease the pressure on other ports noting that he was willing to ensure the success of this export is sustained and maintained.
The event also presented him with the opportunity to thank some agencies of government that had been instrumental in achieving the dream but called for more advocacy to draw attention to Calabar. He specifically mentioned that the drive to decongest Lagos will be impossible without a conscious plan to promote ports like ECM Terminals Limited.
The Executive Director NEPC, Segun Awolowo, said exporters suffer undue delay at Lagos due to the traffic congestion, stressing the need to boost operations at the Eastern Ports, such as Calabar Port. He said NEPC was vigorously pursuing its zero-oil export agenda, urging the government agencies to provide necessary infrastructure for Calabar Ports as an alternative to Lagos Ports.
The Managing Director, Nigeria Export Import Bank, Abubakar Abba Bello, said the renewed promotion of export through Calabar port would boost the economy of the region and generate employment for the youths. He said export is very important for Nigeria and it cannot continue to focus on oil sector, but also exploit the non-oil sector.