Freight forwarders operating in the nation’s seaports have commended the move by President Goodluck Jonathan through his Senior Special Adviser (SSA), Mr. Leke Oyewole to ensure that terminal operators live up to expectations.
National President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF); Chief Eugene Nweke expressed satisfaction over the action taken by the presidential aide and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, even as he described SSA to the president on maritime affairs as being dogged.
Freight forwarders operating in the nation’s seaports have commended the move by President Goodluck Jonathan through his Senior Special Adviser (SSA), Mr. Leke Oyewole to ensure that terminal operators live up to expectations.
National President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF); Chief Eugene Nweke expressed satisfaction over the action taken by the presidential aide and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, even as he described SSA to the president on maritime affairs as being dogged.
‘’I must commend the boldness and doggedness of Leke Oyewole, because when some of the people who call themselves foreign investors came with high level of arrogance at a meeting, he looked straight into their faces and told them, they are basking under the euphoria that some few cliques that called themselves politicians who are not more than 10,000 in number are behind you, then you can do whatever you like in the country, then you are a liar’’.
He said that despite the political backing enjoyed by the concessionaires, the SSA stood his ground, even as he was able to address issues affecting port operations and stakeholders are excited with the ultimatum given to erring terminals.
The NAGAFF boss reiterated that the barrage of complaints by stakeholders was what moved the presidency to act on the concessionaires, adding that it is time to effect a change in port operations.
Nweke also noted that the concessionaires are indirectly disregarding the agreement that they reached with the federal government in the build up to the port concession deal.
He urged the minister of transport; Senator Idris Umar to support the move by the SSA on maritime affairs to the president, because according to him, he took a bold step in ensuring that the yearnings of port users are being adhered to.
On his part, National coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers Exporters Coalition; Chief Osita Chukwu Patrick told Shipping Position Daily, that the actions embarked upon by Leke Oyewole was an eye opener for port users.
Osita said that freight forwarders and their principals (importers) had gone through hard times in the hands of the concessionaires and that, the doggedness of the presidential aide will effect a change in their operations.
He urged Leke Oyewole to attend to what he called the ‘cries of the masses’, as it will help port reforms and enhance efficient ports operation in the country.
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