THE Federal Government through the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has pruned down the list of port charges from 22 to five.
Disclosing this on Monday when the NSC paid a courtesy visit to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Lagos, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Hassan Bello stated that the current high haulage costs at the ports are also being addressed.
According to Hassan Bello, “Our visit here today is in continuation of our consultation with stakeholders. We are here to solicit for the support of MAN to jointly agree on a framework for collaboration in addressing some of the challenges in the ports.
“We are talking about the reduction in dwell time of cargoes at Nigerian ports. We are a member of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme. Our pre-occupation has been geared towards fast-tracking the procurement of scanners at the ports and borders in order to aid quick examination of cargoes.
“The poor road infrastructure is equally being addressed, and the contract has been awarded for the rehabilitation of the Tin-Can and Mile 2, Oshodi road.
“Standard Operating Procedure for port agencies and operators is another veritable tool directed to cost reduction and delays. This will also enhance port deficiency.
“The NSC is also a facilitator of trade, and we are looking at reducing total cost of transportation of cargoes to and fro the seaports.
“Some of the efforts to reduce the cost of Transportation will include; Review of local shipping charges and tariff nomenclature; Improving countries connectivity index; automation and upgrade of transport infrastructure; and genuine fight against corruption.
“We have been engaging the shipping agents and have already agreed on a structured harmonised tariff nomenclature.
“The rate of charges is being reviewed and agreed, and will soon be presented to stakeholders, especially MAN for validation.
We used to have 22 charges, but now they have been compressed into five charges.
“We are negotiating because Nigeria is a country of laws, and we respect contracts.
“We are also a member of PEBEC and are ready to promote ease of doing business in the ports.
“It is time for the NSC and MAN to come together more than ever before to create a platform whereby policies are examined in order for them to have a tremendous impact on Nigeria’s production climate.”
In his welcome Speech, the MAN President, Engr. Mansur Ahmed expressed delight at the visit, stating that the success of the manufacturing sector of the country is tied to the success of the NSC.
“It is vital for both the NSC and MAN to have a continuous interaction because it will impact positively on the nations manufacturing sector.
“For the last three years, the Federal Government has engaged in policies aimed at transforming the national economy from a monolithic economy to a diversified economy.
“This diversification at the end of the day will open up the economy and will have tremendous benefits for we manufacturers.
“We, therefore, thank the NSC for initiating this interaction with MAN, and it is my hope that this will just be the beginning of a serious engagement and collaboration between both organisation,” the MAN President stated.