Maritime operators have stressed the need
for the federal government to embrace and implement the Single Window platform
to facilitate the actualisation of 24 hours ports operations.
In a
recent executive order, the acting president, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, had directed
that round the clock operations commence immediately at the ports.
However,
port users have cautioned that unless the right environment is created through
the provision of requisite facilities, executing the order may be a tall order.
Business
& Maritime quoted Managing Director of Watolye Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adewale
Atoloye, to have noted that "it is very possible to achieve 24 hours cargo
clearance from the ports if the right structures are in place"
But
he hinged the success on the adoption of the single window portal, noting that
"there are lots of benefits if we can embrace the single window portal,
which will also enhance trade facilitation "
Atoloye
thumbed down said the federal government on performance in the maritime
industry, saying that not much has been done for the sector. He, however
expressed optimism that recent policy statements from the executive and
legislature might bring about efficiency in the sector.
Apart
from the single window portal, Atoloye urged the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA)
to provide electricity at the ports for round the clock operations.
"There
is nothing impossible as regards 24 hours port operations and I believe
implementation is the problem we are facing in the country.
"If
the single window platform can be implemented in port operations, then our
problem would be over because this will bring about faster means of doing
business in the system", Atoloye said.
The
maritime practitioner further affirmed that government agencies operating at
the ports have the wherewithal to perfect the single window portal but lamented
that certain interest groups were responsible for the inability to ensure
24-hour clearance of consignments.
According
to him, it takes a minimum of seven days to clear any consignment from the
seaports and without a concrete arrangement in place, it would be difficult to
execute the order.
Similarly,
founder, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders
(NAGAFF), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, stated that the structures that would aid 24
hours clearance at the ports are unavailable, saying that issues of security
and infrastructure had hampered smooth operations.
"It
is a very good intention for government on 24hours port operations but we want
them to come forward and address the situation, we support the intention",
Aniebonam stated.
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