DMP: Ex Customs Boss, Edike Makes Case For PCC’s Existence After Otunba Folarin’s Demise

A former Assistant Comptroller General (ACG) of the Nigeria Customs Service, Charles Edike (rtd), has appealed to the federal government to ensure the sustainability of the Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC) despite the death of Late Otunba Kunle Folarin.

Edike a former Area Controller of PTML and Apapa Commands of the service made the appeal on Tuesday at the Distinguished Maritime Personalities (DMPs) put together by Data Resources Limited in Lagos.

The retired seasoned officer who chaired the event reiterated that the government should look inward and engage a seasoned maritime professional to run the affairs of the council noting that NPCC has what it takes to proffer solutions to most of challenges befalling the port industry.

Edike was also a former Tin Can Island Port and MMIA commands of the customs maintained that the NPCC “must not die “, adding that while in service as ACG, he ordered Area controllers under his watch to always attend the meeting

He said”I want to suggest that with the death of Otunba Kunle Folarin of Port Consultative Council, we must not allow it to die rather it should be upgraded and strengthened.

“That body should be strengthened . I know the importance of what the Late Otunba Kunle Folarin and his team were doing , this body should upgraded to a level where various big man from this industry should be included to make decision .

“Even as Coordinator while in service , I always order the Area Controllers to attend the meeting put together by PCC “,the ex custom boss stated.

Edike further called for inter – agencies collaboration in port operations noting that information sharing is key to promote trade facilitation , saying that as retired officer from the service, conversation and discussion is part of the hallmark of an effective port system .

Recall that Otunba Kunle Folarin died on the 8th Tuesday, November 2022 in Lagos, even as maritime stakeholders have continued to mourn the icon. He died at the aged of 81.
He was born 28th November 1940.

Earlier in his welcome address , Convener of the 2022 Distinguished Maritime Personalities National Discourse, Mr. Kelvin Kagbare pointed out that maiden DMP event was birthed out of a desire to contribute to national rebirth.

Kagbare said “After decades of covering and reporting the industry and seeing the stagnation and underdevelopment so prevalent in our economic life, the story of the man living by the side of the river but washing his face with spittle reverberates in cymbals with such cacophony that the need to do something became a very disturbing desire which grew and blossomed into DMP.

According to the Convener, the theme: The Place of Maritime and Transport in the Economy of Nations-The Nigerian experience,
seeks to amplify the need to pay closer attention to the vast maritime potentials and huge transportation opportunities.

Overwhelmed, elated and strengthened by the logistics of this first edition of the DMP program, my faith in Nigeria is renewed by men and women who, without regards to the colour of my skin, the hairlessness identity I carry so conspicuously, without minding my political leaning nor affiliation have set aside other demanding schedules and businesses to be here in person out of love for the industry and commitment to enthroning operational efficiency in the overall development of the country.

He said harnessing the maritime resources is an issue that has been talked about at different fora without adequate steps taken in that direction adding that the oil and gas resources are been exploited, refined and sold back to Nigerians or out rightly stolen notwithstanding investments in infrastructure, gadgets and appliances by government.

“Statistically, Nigeria is regarded as a potential economic superpower on account of her natural endowments. From mineral resources to human capital, Nigeria stands tall among nations of the world. Regrettably, the story goes sour when it comes to utilization of these natural resources and deploying her citizens strategically to achieve national objectives.

“It is regrettable that from the seventies when the Nigerian National Shipping Line, NNSL was liquated to date, efforts to refloat a New National Shipping Line exist only on paper and notepads.