NIGERIA – Lekki Freeport Terminal, the operator of Nigeria’s inaugural deep seaport, Lekki Port, has unveiled an advanced Automated Gate System for managing truck entry, marking a significant move towards enhancing efficiency and security at the terminal.
The upgraded system, effective from February 1, 2024, imposes specific criteria for truck entry to ensure a streamlined process for all stakeholders.
In an official statement released across its social media platforms, Lekki Freeport Terminal emphasized the commitment to fortify efficiency and security within its operations.
The statement detailed the new conditions that truck drivers must adhere to for successful entry into the container terminal.
The first crucial criterion mandates that trucks accessing the terminal must have an active Vehicle Booking System (VBS) appointment.
The terminal will strictly enforce this requirement from the specified date. Lekki Freeport Terminal underscored the importance of timely appointments, insisting that they must align with the designated time slot, and expired time slots will not be accepted.
Additionally, the statement addressed the necessity for each driver to possess only one appointment slip, even in cases involving dual transactions such as drop-off and pick-up. Both transactions must be clearly indicated on a single appointment slip to streamline the entry process.
Further specifications include the requirement for the Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on the truck to match the RFID number on the appointment slip.
The truck must also possess a license that corresponds to the license specified on the appointment slip. Ensuring consistency, the driver’s name on the appointment slip must align with the name on the driver’s card.
Lekki Freeport Terminal emphasized that access to the truck park will only be granted once the appointment is successfully processed, and any appointments failing to meet the specified conditions will face denial of access.
Recognizing that these measures may necessitate adjustments, the terminal expressed gratitude for stakeholders’ cooperation during this transition.
They encouraged any clarifications or assistance regarding the new automated gate system to be directed to their dedicated Customer Service at customerservice@lft-ng.com.
CMA CGM SCANDOLA
The announcement comes on the heels of a historic event on January 29, 2024, when Lekki Port welcomed the CMA CGM SCANDOLA, the largest container vessel ever to berth in Nigeria.
The LNG-powered vessel, with 14,812 TEUs, created history as the first LNG-powered vessel to navigate West Africa.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commended the port’s management and stakeholders for achieving this major milestone in the Nigerian maritime industry.
This achievement aligns with Lekki Port’s dedication to positioning Nigeria as a central trade and manufacturing hub in West Africa, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth.
The port looks forward to achieving more landmark events and impactful milestones in the future.
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