By Rahanetu Abuh
Harboursandport.com:Lagos- October 18, 2024: National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, NCMDLCA, Mr. Lucky Eyis Amiwero has called President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to constitute a committee of professionals to overhaul and redesign seaport operations in the country so that the nation can benefit from the enormous waters and the potentials available.
Amiwero disclosed this in Lagos during the unveiling of documented achievements and contributions of the Council over the years.
The NCMDLCA National President who also marked his 71st birthday at the unveiling ceremony, noted that while the maritime industry has undergone several reforms in the past, the changes are not substantial enough to establish the industry to the desired goal.
He explained that the maritime sector has not advanced over the years and that restructuring the port system is essential to its future. Amiwero noted that it is important that the Federal Government put round pegs in round holes to ensure efficiency and effective port operations.
According to him, "Since the port is not developing, the system needs to be overhauled and reorganised.
"A professional committee, not a political one, should be established to oversee the operation of the sector," he said.
In addition, he said that action must be taken to address the problem so that Nigeria does not lose out to her neighbours in the commercial world.
"The professional committee and not the political committee should put measures in place to overcome this challenge of lack of progress in the industry; otherwise, we will be losing out while the neighbouring countries will be taking our cargo and building their countries with our cargo," he stated.
The NCMDLCA boss noted that the three fundamentals that drives effective port operations are absent from our system.
He said, "We have the market, but the procedures are too drawn out and complicated for us to use. The port procedure needs to be transparent, dependable, and consistent."
Amiwero said that one of the challenges facing the current day ports operations is that of exorbitant charges.
"Take a look at our ports; so many charges that shouldn't be there are present there," he noted.
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