The Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has advised that the planned simultaneous closure of the Marine Bridge and Wharf Road in Apapa, Lagos, from next week may cause congestion at the port.
The Spokesman of STOAN, Mr Bolaji Akinola, gave the advice in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday.
He said the simultaneous closure of the Wharf Road and the Marine Bridge would lead to a build-up of cargo inside the port and consequently port congestion.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that contractor handling the rehabilitation of Wharf road, Dangote A.S., recently announced plans to close both sides of the road, Apapa inward and outward.
The Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing also announced plans to shut the Marine Bridge in Apapa for permanent repairs as Julius Berger Plc., the contractor, was ready to move to site.
“We commend the efforts of the Federal Government to address the issue of bad roads and the poor state of the bridge.
“However, the closure of both roads at about the same time will cause serious problem to the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa and the Tin Can Island Port.
“The bridge and the Wharf Road are the two major entry points into Apapa and shutting both down will mean cargoes will be trapped inside the port.
