Nigerian Minister Blames Ports’ Inefficiency

Nigerian Minister of Transport Alhaji Yusuf Suleiman has blamed inefficiency of port operators and insincerity on the part of some of the nation’s importers for the diversion of vessels to neighboring countries, even as he disclosed that Nigeria will soon host a shipping conference for members of the G8 nations.

Speaking at a reception for members of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, or CRFFN, the minister said the delay witnessed by importers trying to clear their goods is one reason goods are being diverted to ports in neighboring countries.

He also said that more efficient clearance time and the desire to cut corners drive some Nigerian importers to take their consignments to neighboring countries. He expressed regret that these goods which end up in Nigerian markets are either contraband or the owners do not want to pay duty on the imported cargo.

He noted that Nigeria’s desire to become the hub of the sub-region cannot become a reality until all stakeholders in the industry join hands to improve operations. He explained the federal government is working hard to ensure that the nation’s ports become the hub for the sub-region.

On the hosting of the shipping conference for G8 members, the Minister of Transport said it is in line with the promise made by President Goodluck Jonathan at the recently concluded meeting of the group in Abuja.

He said the president’s promise of a conference for the group is connected with government’s desire to improve shipping business and attract investment to the country.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the Council, Tony Iju Nwabudike, told the Minister that they have met with all the relevant stakeholders in the freight forwarding business in all zones of the federation and have just concluded the registration of freight forwarders and corporate firms involved in the practice.

He explained that they are presently in the process of screening all the applications received to ensure that only those qualified are admitted by the Council.