Following the dwindling fortune of Roll on Roll off operations at Nigerian ports, foremost vehicle terminal, Five Star Logistics terminal has appealed to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to interface with the Federal Government on the need to revisit the automotive, so that vehicle importation business can thrive once again.
The RORO terminal operator also described the federal government policy on automotive as a "flip flop” policy, saying that it has adversely killed importation of vehicles into Nigerian ports
Following the dwindling fortune of Roll on Roll off operations at Nigerian ports, foremost vehicle terminal, Five Star Logistics terminal has appealed to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to interface with the Federal Government on the need to revisit the automotive, so that vehicle importation business can thrive once again.
The RORO terminal operator also described the federal government policy on automotive as a "flip flop” policy, saying that it has adversely killed importation of vehicles into Nigerian ports
Speaking during a working visit by top officials of the Nigerian Shippers Council led by its Executive Secretary, Barrister Hassan Bello to Five Star Logistics Terminal , Tin Can Island Port in Lagos last week, the terminal’s General Manager commercial Services; Mr. Rigo Nazzar said that there is need for the council to help the operator and relate with the federal government on account of the automotive policy for them to remain in business.
Apart from the policy, the General Manager also reiterated that Naira devaluation has also made importation of vehicles to Nigeria a major challenge for importers.
Nazzar said that there has been significant drop in vehicle importation to the terminal and as investors in Nigeria, there is need for their businesses to be protected.
He told his guests that, "we need somebody that can stand in between, from both sides and let government know what we are faced with ".
On his part Documentation Manager, Five Star Logistics Terminal Limited, Mr. Nicolas Bruce said that RORO operation in Nigeria is badly affected by the policy, noting that “the company has staff to pay, will power generators regularly and all these cost money yet we are not operating in a conducive environment due to the policy".
"We are pleading with (Barrister) Bello to intervene because it is matter that needs address as regulator".
He also urged the council's boss advice government on the automotive policy because it has discouraged RORO operations in Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Group Chief Accountant of the terminal, Mr. Bashiru Adeshina said that "as RORO terminal in 2014 we had a great number of vehicles importation but now it has reduced almost to zero"
He said that the federal government flip flop policy has not helped to boost RORO operations calling on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to relate with government and find ways to encourage vehicle importation.
Responding, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers Council; Barrister Hassan Bello said that "it is important to note that government needs to protect the investors".
The council's boss also advised the RORO terminal operator to transport imported vehicles to the hinterland from its facilities stressing that off dock terminals for vehicles will create more jobs for Nigerians.
He said that the council has intervened in some of the concession agreement, assuring that investment by the concessionaire is of top priority to the Council.
Bello added that one of the major rules in business is to be competitive and to recognise the role of the regulator.
The executive secretary pledged to appraise the issue tabled before him by the RORO operator and that "what ever the government can do to encourage their business they will do'".
He stated further that part of the visit to the terminal was to find out what the challenges faced by the operator are, with a view to relate with the federal government on how to tackle it.
Bello maintained that there is need for a balanced port system where the business can favour all its users.
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