The President, Shippers` Association of Lagos State, Mr Jonathan Nicol, has advised that the incoming minister of transport should reduce the cost of doing business in Nigerian ports.
Nicol, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said the cost reduction should be an agenda the incoming minister would pursue.
He said the minister should be prepared to address the backlog of problems in the maritime sector.
According to him, the minster should also be bothered about the provision of good roads for free movement of trucks to create room for clearing agents to operate.
Nicol urged the Federal Government to split the responsibilities of the Federal Ministry of Transport by creating the Ministry of Maritime.
He urged the government to unban the importation of textiles, adding that the nation had yet to have efficient clothing and shoe industries.
Nicol also called for the withdrawal of restriction on importation of automobiles.
“Nigerians decided to import fairly-used cars to help themselves and the government should encourage them,’’ the shipper said.
He said government should allow the right agencies like Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, Shippers’ Council and Freight Forwarders in the ports.
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