Diamond EPT leads export drive, commends NPA, Customs

Picture: Mr. Olatunji Baale, Managing Director/CEO, Diamond Star EPT

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Service have been commended for fashioning out the Export Processing Terminal (EPT) initiative which has transformed the freight forwarding industry positively as Nigeria lately records huge export volumes and humongous revenues from exports.

The Managing Director/CEO of Diamond Star Export Processing Terminal (EPT), Ijora, Mr. Olatunji Baale made this commendation and described it as an ingenious and wealth creating development for government and port stakeholders.

According to Baale, Diamond Star EPT has processed over 72,000 TEUs of agricultural, natural and manufactured goods for export to different parts of the world in the last twelve months, a development he said was made possible by the EPT initiative.

Mr. Olatunji Baale who spoke exclusively to PortNews in ljora Lagos said that Diamond Star EPT achieved this between September 2023, when it began operations, and September 2024.

Baale disclosed that Diamond Star daily handles an average of 200 TEUs as over 80 trucks come in and leave the terminal in less than 24 hours.

The EPT initiative entails a fusion and streamlining of freight forwarding processes which include submission of written manifests by all operators as directed by  NPA, establishment of Customs Export Command, investment in ICT (online booking, verification) and cargo handling equipment, constant interaction with stakeholders, dedicated and motivated staff and unflinching support of all other government agencies such as Customs, DSS, Quarantine, NAFDAC, SON.

The Diamond Star EPT boss noted that the mission of his terminal is to facilitate a speedy delivery time which is paramount in cargo export “At the moment, we have the capacity to process and release 100 trucks (about 180 TEUs) and the TEUs is increased to (about 360TEUs) at the pick period. We have been able to reduce the number of days (dwelling time) from three days to less than 24 hours. As a matter of fact, many truckers, not fewer than 80, come in and leave our terminal in less than 12 hours on the same day.

“I can tell you that we have lived up to the mission in line with the export policy of the Federal Government and that of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA),” said Baale.

The Diamond Star boss said Nigeria has recorded tremendous growth in export activities, pointing out that “in the last one year of operation, number of export cargoes has increased tremendously. All forms of delays on our roads have been eradicated; roads are now free for inflow of export cargoes to the port as well as other users.

“At our level, we communicate with exporters, customs agents and truckers via online platforms. Every morning, we post information on truck movement and addresses issues that are likely to cause delay. Through the online platforms, it is easier for all stakeholders to know and see where there are loopholes or lapses in their cargo processes. Exporters won’t allow their cargo that is already cleared, to get stalled in the terminal. The online platforms has brought all stakeholders together and engendered prompt communications.”

On challenges, Baale said “The major challenge we have is the truckers who are unwilling to leave our terminal in the name of getting TDO to load import. Many of them are willing to pay demurrage for overstaying but we are not interested in their demurrage payment as this will delay prompt delivery of export cargoes to the port”

“Honestly, we are very appreciative of this brilliant and patriotic initiative coming from the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Customs Service. This is  a good one, and posterity will remember them kindly for the EPT initiative which has enriched the nation and lifted Nigeria’s status as a major productive and exporting nation, ” Baale enthused.

Diamond Star Export Processing Terminals (EPT) is one of the EPTs licensed and dedicated strictly by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) for processing of all export cargoes with a view to boosting the Federal Government non-oil export policy in the country.