The Shippers’ Association Lagos State (SALS) yesterday urged the Federal Government to improve on existing port infrastructure for the maritime sector to meet international best practices.
The President of the Association, Mr Jonathan Nicol, made the plea in Lagos at the opening of a two-day Shippers’ Day and Exhibition organised by SALS.
The theme is: “Approaching a New Dawn in the Maritime Sector.’’
Nicol called for the resuscitation of the informal sector of cargo management.
According to him, the informal sector will contribute as much as 45 per cent of the total cargo throughput (imports and exports).
He said that there was need to rebuild the dead infrastructure at the ports to enable individuals in the sector to have the opportunity of assisting in nation- building.
Also speaking at the event, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service; Retired Colonel Hameed Alli commended the Shippers Association Lagos State, saying that despite the economic trials in Nigeria occasioned by the falling value of the currency, the customs revenue collection has continued to increase.
The Customs boss who was represented by the Zonal Coordinator Zone ‘A’, Assistant Compt. General, Charles Edike noted that without members of SALS, there would be no cargo at the port and customs revenue will be in jeopardy.
He urged the shippers and importers not to be discouraged by the current downturn in Nigerian economy, noting that the country is undergoing reform and that trade will pick up soonest.
”Before now, there was a lull in importation, but even at that the revenue is increasing, we expect that when there is no importation, revenues should fall but rather it is increasing and this is because of your good works”
”If shippers do not carry the cargo, there is nothing for customs to collect revenue from, I understand the challenges you are facing now, but don’t be afraid, match on, things may be hard today but tomorrow it will be better, continue and hold on”
On his part, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council; Mr Hassan Bello charged SALS members to endeavour to engage themselves in exportation, especially non-oil exports.
Bello said that so far, 27 shippers associations have been established across the country. He said that these associations are formidable bodies for cargo protection.
Bello was represented by Mrs Okam Ada, Deputy Director, Consumer Affairs Department of the Council.
”Shippers should endeavour to channel efforts into exportation of value adding non-oil exports to generate revenue”
“The Council is still committed to protecting the cargo interest of Nigeria and also enjoined you to remain compliant to both national and international rules guiding global trade practices”
“The SALS have been very active, I must commend them for their doggedness and laudable ideas and I hope they continue” Bello stated.
Also speaking a maritime Lawyer, Mr Osuala Nwagbara, stressed the need for shipping operators to embrace maritime arbitration to resolve issues which emanated in the course of their business.
Nwagbara said that arbitrators had been in existence for more than 10 years, adding that the arbitrators had assisted several port operators to solve maritime disputes.
“We are dedicating a free week in May to offer free services in solving disputes in the maritime industry,’’ Nwagbara said.
He said that arbitration was the best way to resolve issues arising in shipping business due to time factor.
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