The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) have commended the Ministry of Transportation and two of its agencies; the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for the launching of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and the Port Service Support Portal (PSSP) for ease of doing business at the port.
Speaking at a business meeting between the NPA and a delegation from the Port of Miami in United States of America, President of MAN; Dr. Frank Jacob Ejemba commended the ministry and its two agencies, saying that the PSSP and the SOP will go a long way in addressing trade facilitation challenges that businessmen currently face at the port.
The MAN president who was represented by an official of the association, Mr. Francis Meshionye also pleaded that the road leading into Tin Can Island port should be completed as soon as possible, saying that this would eradicate traffic on the mile 2 access.
The MAN president also called for harmonisation of inspection of containers by all government agencies at the port.
He said that, "human interface should be eradicated at the port or reduced to its barest minimum"
"Port security should be increased upon to cub the excesses of touts. The use of our inland waterways remains unharnessed and it needs to be exploited. Traffic gridlock around the port would greatly reduce if the waterways become operational"
"Also, efforts should be intensified to complete the Badagry deepsea port to accommodate bigger ships".
On her part, President of NACCIMA while delivering goodwill commended the NPA who have been working with the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to institute reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of port operations.
"Notable among these reforms are the initiatives mandating the use of pallets for import, the provision of advanced cargo manifest and the scheduling and Coordination of joint physical examination of cargo in conjunction with the Nigeria Customs Service. All reforms expected to improve Nigeria's ranking on the "Trading across Border" index" she said.
Also at the event, the Ooni of Ife; His Imperial Majesty, Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II challenged stakeholders to uphold and take advantage of the African Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Specifically, the Ooni described standardization and packaging as aspects that would be of comparative advantage to Nigerians in trade to the United States.
He identified Nigeria as a blessed nation with vast mineral resources such as Banana, Pineapple and shea butter.
He explained that in the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria boast of multiple natural and mineral resources, adding that the alliance between NPA and Port Miami should be strengthened to yield greater dividends.
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