The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Col. Hameed Alli (rtd) has assured investors in the Nigeria oil & gas Logistics and supply service sector that the customs will intervene in the allegation of monopoly prevalent in the sector and ensure that all the players abide by the laws.
Alli stated this when he visited the Snake Island Integrated Free Zone and the Nigerdock Plc as part of his working visit to Lagos yesterday.
The customs boss noted that certain aspects of the port concessioning exercise which was carried out in 2006 was not done in accordance with the laws because it encouraged monopoly of some terminal operators over others who are handling the same type of cargoes. He promised to visit the laws and ensure that the wrongs are corrected.
“Let me assure you that the government of Muhammadu Buhari is a government of fairness, equity and transparency. In the past, certain things were done but not in accordance with the laws of this federation, I want to therefore underscore the fact that we as Nigeria Customs Service have no choice but to work along that part of righteousness, equity, justice and fairness”
“I want to assure you that all the issues that have been raised will be put together, we will look at the laws that exists, and I can assure you that anywhere we find something contradictory to the laws, you can be rest assured that we will address it”
Alli stated this after he was briefed by the Group Executive Chairman of Nigerdock, Mr. Anwar Jarmakani who lamented that monopoly in the Nigeria oil & gas Logistics and supply service has made the sector uncompetitive
Jarmakani said the monopoly had forced the oil & gas industry and the nation into capitulation.
He however said it must be stopped as it was seriously hitting hard on the economy.
“The Nigeria oil and gas supply and logistics service in Nigeria is the most expensive in the world because of its entrenched monopoly.
“They have driven away investments from Nigeria and has seriously damages the International reputation of Nigeria.”
The MD also alleged that the monopoly has consistently and aggressively used different government institutions to compromise, maintain and entrenched its monopoly position with impunity.
“This monopoly has consistently and aggressively used different government institutions to compromise, maintain and entrenched it’s monopoly position with impunity.
“Regrettably, attempts have been made in time past to use the Customs. We therefore appreciate the fact that the present administration is aggressively doing away with such impunity.”
He however stated the readiness of his company to compete favorably in the market.
“Snake Island integrated Free Zone and Nigerdock are open for competitive business and we are determined to bring down your operational costs by at least 30%,” he said.
Responding, the customs CGC; Alli assured Nigerdock management that anywhere his management finds something contradictory to the laws, it will address it.
He said “For some of us who are first timers, the visit has opened our eyes, we have come, we have seen and we are now knowledgeable on what is obtainable on this island”
“If we find out that everything is in accordance with the law, we are in a position to let you know” he said
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