Nigerian concessions finally taken up

Although contracts were awarded last year, they have not been implemented because of outstanding labour issues.

However, stevedores belonging to the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria and the Senior Staff Association of the NPA have agreed a severance package with the government.

Previously, representatives of the concessionaires were not able to enter terminals often being driven away by protesting workers. The government has since allocated ?200m to fund severance packages. Facilities affected by this agreement cover two terminals in Apapa port and others at Tin Can Island, Lilypond, Port Harcourt and Onne ports. Only terminals in Calabar and Delta ports are yet to be awarded as concessions.