Critical operators in the clearing and forwarding industry in Nigeria are worried over the persistent volatility in foreign exchange rates and multiple dues at the port of entries.
Besides, the operators, citing cumbersome processes, have expressed concern that policies of Federal Government on ease of doing business. Especially in the shipping industry, is frustrating stakeholders.
At a stakeholders workshop tagged “Port Economic Regulation and it’s Impact on Commodity Shipments,”held in Kano, operators further lamented how regulatory agencies at the ports allegedly imposing unknown charges.
What the Vice President of the shippers association said
Vice President shippers association, Alhaji Jamilu Goma, said the fluctuating nature of the exchange rate is having negative impact on businesses at ports.
Goma said the increased charge on landing of goods is negatively impacting on the market sales.
He lamented that many shippers counting losses due to rising inventories in warehouses.
Goma stressed the association’s commitment to work with relevant authorities aimed at reducing the number of government agencies at ports. And facilitating easier business operations.
Another stakeholder, Chief Agu Chukwuemeka, reminded that no country can achieve economic greatness without supporting business outfits at the ports.
Chief Chukwuemeka also pointed out that the difficulties cargo owners face due to the cumbersome process of clearing their goods are enough to discurage investors.
He specifically raised concerns on the increasing cost of port operations with emphasis on customs activities, valuation of imports and exports, service charges and the exclusion of shippers from discussions on port operations and trade facilitation.
Responding, Director Export and Trade in the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Kaura Irimiya, explained the government efforts to ease shipping businesses in Nigeria.
He noted that government would not deliberately unleash policies that will cripple businesses at the ports, adding that efforts are being harnessed to ease the cumbersome processes of clearing and forwarding cargo.
Director, North West Coordinating Office, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Hajiya Karima Usman, said the workshop organised by Export Commodities Coordinating Committee of the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment in collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to facilitate ease of doing business at the nation’s ports.
