Crime Resurfaces as One of Many Problems at Nigerian Ports

While customs agents are calling on the government to review the 500% increase in the cost of clearing goods at ports, rising crime at ports across the country has seen car importers hard hit as vandals reportedly work in teams to remove vehicle parts that include side-mirrors, headlamps and computer boxes despite the presence of security guards. Other issues at the ports include scanning equipment that is not in working order and the rejection of the government's plan for foreign firms to run the scanning process. Corruption allegations has been made by many truckers who say that officials are said to be demanding bribes before entry into the Apapa Complex, the largest Lagos-based port terminal in the country. Month-long waiting periods has been described by truckers as "nightmarish" ."Operators as well as officials of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) should beef up security because it is becoming an embarrassing situation, a customs agent has said.