There are indications that the Federal Government may be losing a whooping US$16Billion annually in the maritime sector alone as a result of unfriendly policies which have inhibited the smooth clearance of cargo from the ports.
The Lagos State Government has equally alleged that port congestion in Lagos State cost the state government to lose an annual US$1billion, even as he said that maritime traffic contributes over 70% of these losses.
There are indications that the Federal Government may be losing a whooping US$16Billion annually in the maritime sector alone as a result of unfriendly policies which have inhibited the smooth clearance of cargo from the ports.
The Lagos State Government has equally alleged that port congestion in Lagos State cost the state government to lose an annual US$1billion, even as he said that maritime traffic contributes over 70% of these losses.
In a paper presentation at a One Day National Discourse on "48hour Cargo Clearance Target At Nigerian Ports" organized by the Nigerian Shippers Council in Lagos yesterday, a consultant with Trident PLC and lead panelist at the occasion; Mr. Michael Ivenso said that the high level of physical inspection of goods at the ports has led to huge revenue losses to the government.
According to him, the continuous dependence on trucks alone to move goods out of the ports should be quickly addressed with a vibrant Intermodal transport system.
"If you don't fix the transport system, the port will continue to remain a storage area, Nigeria losses US$16billion annually for not doing what it ought to do at the port", he stated.
Ivenso identified some of the challenges to included, shuffling of papers back and forth by customs, the manual handling of documents and lack of infrastructures to attract the investors that government desires.
Speaking in the same vein, the Commissioner for Transportation in Lagos State, Mr. Kayode Opeifa said that maritime traffic constitutes the biggest headache for the state.
"Congestion in Lagos alone costs US$1billion every year, out of this, maritime traffic causes over 70 percent"
"Tin Can Port alone is 1.65 TEU container units, while at Lekki corridor, we have got 2.7TEU which will be a challenge eventually"
Opeifa who was represented by Dr. Taiwo Salau said that the government has resolved to look for an alternative means of transportation which is the rail and water
According to the commissioner, the state government is already developing an alternative movement of people and cargo within the state. The use of badges, according to him, will equally play an important role.
"How many trailers will evacuate a shipload and how many badges will evacuate a shipload, what will be the cost and benefit to the economy"
"We have put all these in consideration and seriously speaking, we can do it, if there are countries that clear goods within six hours, why can't we do it in 48hours and employ all concerned to kindly allow this to happen".
According to him, cargoes are being diverted to Benin Republic as a result of the waiting time of vessels.
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