Oyetola: Abandoned Cargoes, Others Hindering Maritime Activity

.Jime seeks amendment of NSC act 

Oluchi Chibuzor 

As the nation gradually begins to explore its maritime domain to generate revenue, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has named high number of abandoned cargoes, physical examination of cargoes as some of the obstacle the country must overcome to realise its maritime potential.
The minister stated this during his maiden visit to the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) in Lagos.

He urged NSC staff to see themselves as actors in the sector, noting the state of the country’s ports was not encouraging.

According to him, “My concept of port development is more of private-public partnership (PPP) and is important for us to start to think about that. Government should not necessary own a 100 percent of the port, when you look at port efficiency. I know the challenges we are having in the existing ports; judging on so many things the use of the customs spotting physically I don’t know is archaic and I think is something we will let the Customs know. 

“Another thing I noticed is the extent to which cargo is being dumped in the ports. I understand the last time we went there I think about 6000 cargoes were lying down uncleared. There must be an understanding as to when a cargo should be declared abandoned. Some of them have been there since 2011. There should be a time frame when cargo should be cleared from the port.”

Speaking, the Executive Secretary, NSC, Emmanuel Jime
called for the amendment of the act establishing the council for effective regulationof the sector.

He also urged the minister to consider establishing a national fleet as a critical national development project. 

Jime said he acknowledged that the body language of the minister showed he is determined to deliver on the mandates of his ministry.

According to him, “We have had the opportunity of briefing you when you allowed us as CEOs of agencies. Today we will further emphasise the areas where we are sure they are relevant to your mandate to your ministry that you are supervising. Your body language showed you are determined to succeed.

“Your ministry is a very strategic economy, this ministry was created because it is very strategic important to marine and Blue Economy kick starting and further creating movement of fundamental consequences in the Nigerian economy. This agency of yours that you are supervising is the laboratory where policy making in this industry can drive the marine space.”

Making a presentation to the minister, Director Strategic Planning and Research, NSC, Rotimi Anifowoseh, highlighted areas the council wants the minister to consider.

According to him, “The National Fleet when implemented would bring the following benefits: Over $5.42 billion is expected to be added to the GDP, $1.62 billion accruable to Government from corporate income tax through the Joint Venture Company (IVC). Over $1 billion Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Increase in national tonnage and $9.1 Billion annually in freight revenue.

“The proposed fleet which is to be wholly private sector driven is expected to address the following challenges, low national tonnage capacity, loss of jobs, loss of freight earnings, distorted balance of trade and insignificant contribution of the sector to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”

Responding to the NSC’s presentation, Oyetola said, “About one percent we will look at it, but first there must be revenue before you talk about sharing. I have gone round to look at the state of our ports, it is not encouraging but I am not blaming anybody because the ports are old.”