Pius Ujubuonu (Logistics Expert, Freight Forwarder)
In this 2021 one expects a critical analysis of the factors that militate against trade and transportation. I expect a deliberate improvement in the policy concept and implementation. Huge and relevant attention should be made for the provision of infrastructure, port access roads, the improvements on ease of doing business by reducing in the number of bureaucratic interventions by Customs, Police, NAFDAC, SON and other government agencies.
Remi Ogungbemi (Chairman AMATO)
My expectation and interest for the maritime industry especially our sector (trucking) is how to surmount the mountain called traffic gridlock that has become a monster and cankerworms that are hindering truckers from performing efficiently and profitably.
But I am worried for the following reasons: I noticed that many see the problem as an opportunity to enrich themselves, while the majority are lamenting day and night. Secondly many did not want the problem to be solved, because they are benefiting. I know you're not scared or tired, we shall get there this year 2021 in Jesus name.
Babatunde Mukaila (National Secretary ANLCA)
No doubt, 2020 is of great turbulence in history. Going forward, I expect greater commitments from maritime stakeholders, more so a political willpower from the Government and its related agencies both at federal and state level to tackle age long decay of infrastructure and endemic corruption in Nigerian ports.
Capt Tajudeen Alao (Master Mariner)
We thank God that we are alive and are moving forward, we want to see the traffic gridlock removed in Apapa, also we want to see more synergy between the government agencies; we want to see more collaboration with the stakeholders, we hope that the stakeholders will be frank in telling government where the shoe pinches them, there is need for the government agencies to meet the stakeholders one by one to discuss issues. If they are meeting the freight forwarders let them meet them alone, if they are meeting the Masters Mariners let them meet them alone, if they are meeting maritime journalists let them meet them alone, for us to have a headway in the industry. We need to be taken serious as practitioners in the industry.
Abdullahi Inua (PRO COMTUA)
I expect e-call up to take off, to enable all forms of extortion and bottleneck within the ports environment eradicated. Equally the ports regulatory agencies; NPA and NSC should have political will to compel the shipping companies to provide functional holding bays for receiving their empty containers, the terminal operators should improve in their services and for the government agencies inside the port to have a single window mode of operation.
Capt. Alfred Oniye
Sincerely speaking, I'm already tired of the industry, but we hope for a better 2021
Frank Ogunijemite (President APFFLON)
Firstly, the speedy completion of the port access roads, especially the Mile 2/ Tin Can Island port access and other port access roads across the nation that is in bad state.
Another major infrastructure that would improve freight forwarding activities in 2021 is the railway alternative. With cargo evacuation via rail, most of the cargoes at Lagos ports wouldn't need to cluster the roads. This wouldn't only make the roads accessible but also make them last longer.
As an association, APFFLON is also concerned about the Federal Government's move to introduce electronic truck call-up systems for the port access roads. This will go a long way to dissipate the perennial traffic gridlock on Lagos port access roads and neighboring areas.
Other issues we look forward to in 2021 should include strict government policies and enforcement, legislating Nigerian Shippers Council, seamless port operations, transparency on the part of Customs, terminal operators and shipping companies.
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