Maritime Expert Picks Holes in Port Concession

Chinazor Megbolu
A freight forwarder and the Managing Director, Bonntex Group, Mr. Boniface Okoye has faulted the concession of the nation’s seaports, saying there are no tangible gain so far made since the ports were concessioned to private investors.

He stated this recently while receiving a distinguished Achievers Merit Award in Lagos. According to him, the port concession was just a political language.

Okoye explained that the concession has created more problems than how it used to be in the past.
According to him, “it is political ambition of a few individuals for their own selfish gain. It has created more problems in the ports especially in the area of congestion.”

He explained that way back, vehicles used to have parking spaces right inside the ports and that empty containers used to go back as soon as the contents was offloaded.  “But nowadays ships go back without carrying empty containers thereby creating bottlenecks in and outside the ports,” he said.

On the award, Okoye said  it was God that made it possible because it came as a result of hard work  and his contribution to  the maritime sector over the last 30 years.
While thanking the Managing Director, Corporate News Communications, Mr. Chris Okeh for the recognition, he noted that though there has been challenges, “but God has always been there for him and his company.”

On what advice for upcoming freight forwarders, he said: “It is good to create time in order to study the industry before you start doing clearing business.”
Okeh attributed the presentation of the Gold and Certificate of Merit award to Okoye to  his contribution to the growth of the maritime sector.

“The award is in recognition of his contribution made to the growth and development of the maritime sector and the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents”, he said.