We Can’t Access Forex To Purchase, Replace Our Equipment, SIFAX GROUP Tells Shippers’ Council

Sifax Group, on Thursday, raised the alarm over inability to access foreign exchange for the purchase of port equipment, as well as, replacement of wornout spare parts.

The group also called for intervention of the council over transfer of overtime cargoes to Ikorodu terminal which are bore solely by them.

Speaking when Shippers’ Council complaint unit led by Daniel Orume paid an advocacy visit, the group executive director, Bode Ojeniyi, requested for Council’s intervention on non receipt of 25% of auction value on overtime cargoes that have been transferred to Ikorodu Terminals based on the directive of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The statement read, “At Sifax Group, we appreciate the Council over the visit and requested the NSC to intervene on accessibility to forex from the Central Bank of Nigeria for the purchase of ports equipments and spare parts.

The council should also intervene on non- receipt of 25% auction value on overtime cargoes that have been transferred to Ikorodu Terminals based on NPA directives. Also, the transfer cost is borne by the terminal solely.

In his response, Orume appreciated Sifax for recording few complaints from the stakeholders, but informed the group to write formally to the Council itemizing all issues bothering their operations.

He further disclosed that the lack of access to forex  would be tabled by the NSC Executive Secretary/CEO when he meets the CBN’s governor on issues relating to trade facilitation in the Industry.
Orume, further informed Sifax Group that issues of overtime cargoes and the need for termimals representatives to be at Ikorodu Terminal would be addressed with the NIgeria Customs Service (NCS).

He charged Sifax Group and other terminals in the country to be fair and just interms of transfer charges to the consignees especially when transfers are carried out without the prior consent of the consignees.