Shippers Task FG To Build Designated Terminal For Export

Shippers under the aegis of the Association of West Africa Exporters Maritime Professionals (AWAEMP) has advocated for a specialised port terminal designed for exportation of Nigerian products , as part of measures to  resolve delay and cumbersome process of trade facilitation.

 

President of the Association, Mr. Olubunmi Olumekun in a chat with DAILYFOCUS NIGERIA on Monday, called on the Nigerian Shippers Council , Nigeria Export Promotion Council and other concerned agencies of the government to advice the Minister of Transportation on the importance of establishing  a port designated solely for export.

 

Olumekun who is the Chief Executive Officer of Rely Maritime Limited also doubles as the Vice President, Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) , lamented that the non oil export industry has not benefitted from the federal government right from inception, even as he stressed the need for adequate amenities and incentives  to boost export.

 

“Government should be futuristic about export . They should look beyond what obtains today because assuming we have a designated seaport for export I don’t think we will be lamenting on delay of cargoes along the port corridors.

 

“At least one or two berths should be designated for export commodities while the government should looks inward to build a standard port for export alone.

 

“Shippers Council and export council should advice government professionally on the importance of export to the country and the need to provide facilities to encourage the business grow faster.

 

“There is huge revenue generation from export but we will rely heavily on import which is not too good for our economy. Import is artificial while export is authentic .

 

“There is need for a designated terminal for export only where all the players can do their stuffing before export can take place.

 

He noted that with a designated terminal for exportation of Nigerian goods would further encourage shippers and farmers to embrace the business of exportation which in turn would lead to a robust and competitive   investment driven sub sector.

 

While lamenting on the challenges  faced by  exporters who patronise waterways transportation to ferry cargoes to port, Olumekun lamented that owners of barges pay multiple fees and levy to concessionaires and government agencies respectively.

 

He decried that the barges most times wait at the terminals for days without accessing the facilities as at when due.

 

The shipper  pointed out that “Some times the bargs can spend days at the quay apron like a ship and it is not healthy for export at all.

 

“We have seen cases whereby barges were asked to go back after seven day awaiting time at the terminal. Who bears the loss and damages of the export?