Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, revealed that Approximately 6,000 abandoned Cargoes have been left Uncleared at Apapa and Tin Can Ports since 2011.
During his visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) office in Lagos, Oyetola expressed concern over the Compounding effect of Physical Examinations by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on the problem of overtime Cargoes, emphasizing that these Abandoned Goods occupy space and result in substantial losses for the Country.
He proposed the Establishment of a time frame within which Cargoes must be cleared, failing which they would be declared Abandoned.
Oyetola underlined the Importance of Improving the ease of doing Business at the Ports, suggesting the Adoption of Scanners by Customs for faster clearing Processes Instead of the slow Physical Examination method, which Incurs Demurrage.
Furthermore, Oyetola called for the serious Pursuit of the Port Community System, a Single-window Platform for all Stakeholders in the Maritime Industry, to Simplify processes and Enhance efficiency, similar to Practices in other Developed Countries.
The Minister also raised Concerns about Foreign Trawlers fishing in Nigeria’s Territorial Waters and advocated for the Development of Fishing Trawlers through Purchase or Support for Local Builders to create Jobs and Empower Youths.
He emphasized the Potential of the Marine and Blue Economy in driving Economic Growth, Environmental sustainability, Job creation, and Revenue generation, calling for Collaborative efforts from all Industry Actors to harness its benefits.
Oyetola pledged Support for the Productivity of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) while encouraging a Focus on port efficiency and Revenue generation for the Government.
The Director of Planning at NSC, Rotimi Anifowose, highlighted various Issues requiring the Minister’s attention, Including amending the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act for effective Port Economic regulation, the Implementation of a one percent freight stabilization Fee on Imports and Exports, and the enactment of the International Cargo Tracking Note.
Anifowose also stressed the need for Establishing a National Fleet, driven by the Private Sector, which would address several Maritime challenges and Significantly contribute to the Country’s GDP.
This Fleet, if realized, could add over $5.42 billion to Nigeria’s GDP.
