Some importers yesterday appealed to the Federal Government to open up the seaports in the Eastern flank of the country to decongest ports in Lagos.

TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK: Heavy trafic gridlock at Berger Yard along Oshodi -Apapa Expressway yesterday. Photo: Shola oyelese

The importers said that the designation of the Calabar, Port Harcourt and Warri ports for cargo transaction would bring the perennial traffic at the Apapa Ports to an end.

The traders told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that they were experiencing hardships in getting their goods out of the Apapa ports.

Mr Jude Okeke, an importer and also the President, Association of Progressive Traders (APT), Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, said the concentration of cargo import on Apapa ports negates the ease-of-doing business.

Okeke expressed fear over the unending traffic situation along the port’s axis.

“Do not be surprised that we will wake up one day and container-laden trucks will overrun the whole of Lagos city with no access roads for commuters.

“The Federal Government can do a lot of good to the importing public by opening up the other ports that have been fully utilized over time,” Okeke said.