By Juliana Nwachukwu
The International Containers Terminal Services (ICTSI) Onne on June 16, meet with Onitsha importers to brainstorm on way forward by identifying and proffering solutions to their challenges.
The event was held at All Saints Anglican Cathedral, Onitsha and attracted the presence of various importers in Onitsha as well as shipping agents.
Speaking with Newsmen after the event, the Commercial Manager ICTSI multipurpose Terminal Onne, Okogbue Charles Chukwudebe said that ICTSI commenced operation in Onne four years ago, saying that the Onne Multipurpose Terminal is designed to handle containers and general cargo including projects, heavy lift and roll on/ roll off cargo.
He added that Onne Multipurpose Terminal (OMT) offers a key logistics solutions to Nigerian’s growing influx of containerized and non-containerized cargo while catering to the rest of the greater west African region.
Okagbue, who equally served as customers/stakeholders Manager further highlighted that OMT is the fastest growing terminal in Nigeria and strategically located in one of the world’s largest oil and gas free zone.
He said that OMT provides efficient access to the oil fields in the west and sub-sahara Africa, offers online services request and shore-base logistics support.
Other services rendered by OMT included servicing companies in bringing pipes, tools and materials for drilling in the South, South zone, and assists in moving containers from East to the North to load cashews, curtains and minerals.
According to him, OMT has 33 Terminals in the country and spanned in 20 countries and 500 locations.
Okogbue emphasized that Onitsha is the biggest Market in Nigeria after Lagos, saying that most of the containers come to Onne and ends in Onitsha.
He noted that the essence of the event was to appreciate their customers in Onitsha for the first time. “We know that importers only deal with agents and agents comes to us.They don’t know us. They only know the agents. We try to bring ourselves very close to the importers so that they know people they are paying for the services and be able to say their challenges and problems.”
Okogbue expressed that government policy do not affect their business instead they make them stronger even as he said government agencies monitors and regulates their operations.
In his speech, the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licence and Custom Agency, Hon. Ifeanyi Isikaku affirmed that OMT multipurpose Terminal is reliable and trustworthy in terms of shipping business.
He urged importers to always identify with OMT multipurpose Terminal for their easy importation, saying that it is a dependable place where importers carry their goods within five working days.
“Some people are not informed and if you are not informed, we are here today to tell you to bring your cargo to Onne. If there is any challenge that you cannot bring your cargo to Onne, tell us, that is why we are here to tell you the best you can move about your goods,” Isikaku said.
Similarly, the Chairman of Marin Gulf Shipping Agency (MGS), Chief Ambrose Nwusi described the event as multi benefits to both the importers and clearing agents, adding that OMT services is efficient and flexibility.
Appreciating his guests, the host, Chief Humphrey Anuna praised CTSI for coming to Onitsha to appreciate importers, saying that the initiative would increase their potential importers.
Anuna, who is the President General of Anambra State Market Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA) suggested that the event should be repeated again in the ASMATA Secretariat just as he promised to sponsor all the entertainments.
Juliana is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
