Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has urged members of the nation’s business community to utilise the various dry ports across the country and utilise the existing rail infrastructure in Nigeria for haulage of cargo
Oyetola who stated these in Lagos while delivering a goodwill message at the 2024 International Customs Day, said the dry ports are located across various states in the country to promote economic development and emancipation.
The minister decried the non compliance by truck operators with the existing electronic call up system regime put in place by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and assured that the federal government is committed to addressing the infrastructure gaps that results in delay in cargo movement in and out of the nation’s ports.
Oyetola also advised port users to move their goods by rail as a viable alternative to the already pressured road infrastructure.
He added that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy was established by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the goal of enhancing Nigeria’s economy by tapping into the vast potential of the maritime domain, valued at over US$24 trillion, supporting 90% of global trade, and generating millions of jobs.
The minister while congratulating Nigeria Customs Service for it’s various strides in revenue collection lauded the new Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023 addresses challenges, and encourages partnership between the public and private sectors.
He described the theme of 2024 International Customs Day as relevant for for global trade and reassured of his ministry’s collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service.
Oyetola said “As it has been expressed by the WCO Secretary General in his message to the global customs community and their stakeholders, collaboration is germane in achieving trade facilitation and the security of the internal supply chain. To this end, we must integrate sustainability into policies and strategies, bolster investments in ports, research, and technology, and, most importantly, foster inclusive alliances among our stakeholders and partners, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, transporters, freight forwarders, shippers, NIMASA, and the Nigerian Customs Service.
“The recent passage of the Nigerian Customs Act 2023 creates a favourable environment for trade. It recognises opportunities, addresses challenges, and encourages partnership between the public and private sectors.
“In this era of increased interdependence, Customs and its stakeholders must work hand in hand to ensure the overall success of initiatives that will help unlock the immense potential of collaboration and increase revenue generation. At this juncture, let me commend the leadership of customs for agreeing to abandon the physical examination of cargoes at our ports and priotising the use of scanners. This development would not only increase revenue, it will ensure ports efficiency and competitiveness. And it will reduce drastically the cargo turnaround time.
“It is by committing to cooperation that we can enhance our effectiveness in safeguarding our waterways and facilitating global trade.
“With unwavering commitment, I assure you of my ministry’s support for collaborative engagements with stakeholders in the international trade community, aiming for a more sustainable use of Ocean and Coastal Resources for Economic Growth” he said
