Truckers, exporters accuse NPA of a sinister plan to destroy Nigeria's export business

Truckers, exporters accuse NPA of a sinister plan to destroy Nigeria's export business

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Bello Koko has been accused of a plan to cripple Nigeria's export business.

Making the accusation at a press briefing on Thursday, the Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations, COMTUA, and the Association of West African Exporters and Maritime Professionals, AWAEMAP,  stated that there is a deliberate plan to make exportation unprofitable in Nigeria with Bello-Koko's plan to establish five warehouses that will handle agro-export  containers seeking access into Nigerian ports for onward shipments to various destinations across the globe.

The associations cried that the plan will not only stifle over 200 approved export warehouses across the country but will also render hundreds of thousands of Nigerians jobless.

Chairman of AWAEMAP

who is also the President, Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), Dr. Olubunmi Olumekun, lamented that the plan to introduce five export processing terminals will make Nigerian exports uncompetitive and cause loss of jobs.

Olumekun rejected the plan in its totality saying that it will increase cost of exporting cargo in Nigeria.

National President of COMTUA, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun, stated that the export processing terminals being planned by NPA would chase them out of business.

"The plan is that when we bring cargo to the processing terminals, they ask us to go. Their trucks will now take the cargo from the terminal into the port. 

"Everybody knows that the trucks that take export into the port will load import cargo out. This means they are gradually dragging us out of business," he said.

The Chairman, BOT, AWAEMAP, Alhaji Inaolaji Laidi Nofiu, declared that the plan negates Customs and Excise Management Act and does not in anyway agree with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council's DEW.

The associations at a joint press conference yesterday noted that there is an attempt by certain persons to use the instrumentality of the public office they occupy to enrich themselves whilst intentionally suffocating and strangulating the livewire of the Nigerian economy.

The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) especially the Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko was accused of seeking to introduce a new Standard Operating System (S.0.P) to establish a One Stop Shop Terminal for Agro- Export Containers referred to as 'Domestic Export Warehouse, DEW, and are meant to serve the purpose of providing a One-Stop-Shop of all Government regulatory agencies to process all Agro-Export containers and also serve as the ONLY PRE-GATE terminals for all Agro-Export Container boxes seeking access into the Nigerian Ports and all other port complexes in Nigeria for onward shipments to various destinations across the globe.

The associations noted that the resolution to introduce these warehouses would have been applauded if such decision is made to ensure the warehouses complement the already existing numerous Customs licensed warehouses scattered all over the country but regretted that the decision is to refuse entry into the Nigerian ports all over the country any Agro- Export bound container that has not made use of these five warehouses.

They insisted that  the actions of the NPA in designating these few warehouses as the ONLY Warehouses where export bound containers would be accepted for gating in is in direct contravention of the Customs and Excise Management Act CAP 84 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 1990 ('the Customs Act") especially Part IV, Section 82 which clearly makes provisions for the use of licensed warehouses including private warehouses for the purpose of processing export bound goods.

"This decision is being enabled by the MD of NPA as a pension plan to ensure he continues to enrich himself even after his tenure at the helms of the NPA comes to an end. The MD of NPA who has disclosed and undisclosed interest in these warehouses has decided that for his ulterior motives to come to light, he must likewise destroy that of the Nigerian economy while at the same time increasing the unemployment rate of Nigerians. We understand that out of the 5 (Five) of these warehouses being sought to be introduced, 2 (Two) are owned and operated by foreign entities," they didclosed.

"The consequence of the implementation of this policy is firstly, that all the existing Licensed Customs/FPIS Warehouses used, owned and managed by our members nationwide would become useless. These DEW which are very limited in number would be overrun by thousands of Agro Export Containers thereby creating another round of congestions in and around the Ports environment.

"This policy would take the export industry several years back after all the improvements and achievement that has been recorded since the introduction and Implementation of the Electronic Call-Up System through the ETO mobile App," they lamented.

They noted that ETO E-call up system introduced recently by the current administration after several painstaking brainstorming sessions with the industry stakeholders in the entire maritime sector inclusive of the associations has indeed brought commendable improvements in the entire operations of the Apapa Ports area of Lagos state which is the epicenter of all export activities in Nigeria. 

"This new system has ensured that Agro-Export container boxes spend less time on the highways ensuring better service and higher yield in the export industry of Nigeria.

"It is manifestly certain that if Mr. Bello-Koko is allowed to implement this repugnant policy, it would render nugatory all these improvements and sanity we are witnessing in the Apapa ports area of Lagos State," the associations warned.

Warning that the policy that Mr. Bello-Koko is so much bent on introducing would increase the overall cost of exportation of the Agro-Export containers of Nigeria, they stated that invariably Nigeria's exportation prowess would decrease as exporters would be forced to sell at a loss as the international rates of exportable cash crops take no cognizance of the exorbitant cost of exportation of the country due to the greed of a select few.

"With the introduction of this policy, exporters would be forced to pay for: Handling Charge, Weighbridge, Documentation charge, Examination Position Fee, Trucking to Port & Storage Charges cumulatively amounting to about $650 extra charges per container box. It is instructive to state that all these charges listed would have been incurred by exporters prior to accessing this DEW which invariably leads to double expenditure for exporters.

"Currently, Agro-Export containers departing from neighboring countries like Republic of Benin come at a cost of minimum $200 cheaper than exporting same value Agro export container box from any port within Nigeria due to the numerous regulatory and logistics challenges bedeviling our maritime export industry. Our members are already finding it hard to survive competing with our neighboring countries, this move by the Mr. Bello-Koko would force most Nigerian exporters to begin to channel our export produces through these neighboring countries. It is imperative at this juncture to bring to the attention of the general public the actions of this public servant, as the ripple effect of this policy would cut across all spheres of the Nigerian economy," the two associations lamented.

Read More

NPA's Revised Procedure For Processing Agro Export Truck To Ports Will Retard Industry Progress - COMTUA

          M.D, NPA, MR. BELLO KOKO

NPA's Revised Procedure For Processing Agro Export Truck To Ports Will Retard Industry Progress - COMTUA 

Council of Maritime Transport Union  and Association, COMTUA, has stated that the revised procedure for processing Agro Export Truck to ports by the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, is  wrong, utterly biased, and possibly to negate progress of the industry.

According to the letter sent to the office of the Managing Director, NPA, Bello Koko, and signed by the National President, COMTUA, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun, the directive which emanated  from MD's office as suggested on the circular, would hinder efficiency and seamless movement in the agro export movement.

Aroyewun  noted that the policy peddled on eto platform failed to adequately address the negative impact the policy would have in the system.

"From our studies, experience and investigations, the policy only compromised the realities on ground in the system it pretends to assist.

 "Among the many challenges would be the economic implications of double handling, delays, loss of jobs and wages, double charging for call up, as oppose to the possible claim of creation of more opportunities".

The union wondered why the short notice for such a significant transition done without proper and due consultations carried out, adding that it may be another way to burden the trucking family the more

"Regretable is that we are afraid, formulation of most of these contentious policies, neither consult nor seat with sincere and genuine stakeholders before coming up with these negative and unprogressive ideas.

Enrichment of few to the detriment of many Nigerians and our economy is not the best for the industry in particular and the nation as a whole.

"We have advised your agency severally against the use of pseudo truckers to represent genuine truck owners at your meetings. We see it as a ploy to get endorsement through the backdoor for an inappropriate policy.

"This misrepresentation has affected negatively, the outcome of most of your policies concerning trucking activities.

"On these and others , COMTUA is rejecting the policy in its entirety," the letter stated.

Aroyewun affirmed COMTUA's readiness for constructive debates on issues to move the industry forward with genuine stakeholders for  more indepth consultations to determine the best approach for whatever challenges the system is envisaging.

Read More

COMTUA Reacts To Oyo Agency Over Poor Handling of Obstruction, Extortion Claims

COMTUA Reacts To Oyo Agency Over Poor Handling of Obstruction, Extortion Claims

By: Bisi Akingbade

The Council of Maritime Truck Unions and Associations, COMTUA, has reacted to the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority, OYRTMA allegations on poor handling of a case of obstruction caused by a truck belonging to a member of COMTUA in the Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

According to the press release signed by the National President of COMTUA, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun, queried why the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority, OYRTMA, levelled obstruction charges on the truck that had already been evacuated to the garage.

Aroyewun explained that the association with the aid of police and the Federal Road Safety Corps, had immediately evacuated the truck, leaving only the container for lack of equipment.

He condemned why OYRTMA don't have fixed charges for traffic offences, fixing charges off hand and why payment should be made to a private company.

He added that COMTUA believes that the case of accident falls within the purview  of the police and any recovery bill should have been sent to the police. 

While debunking the allegation levelled against him by the chairman of the OYRTMA , Mr. Akin Fagbemi  that he collected N500,000 from his member, the owner of the container to secure  its release without paying the fine as untrue.

He also described as false the allegation that he claimed to be an APC member to seek favour, saying that the blatant lie cannot fly since Oyo State is under PDP.

Aroyewun threatened a suit for the libellous statements by OYRTMA,  if not proven or retracted.

Read More

COMTUA: Condemns Unruly Behaviour of OSROTMA Chairman

COMTUA: Condemns Unruly Behaviour of OSROTMA Chairman

 

... Reject payment of fine to private firm 

By: Bisi Akingbade

Committee of Transport Unions and Associations, COMTUA, has condemned the unruly behaviour of the Chairman of Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority and the disturbing fine of N850,000,  he issued that should be paid to a private firm, Reliable Auto Services.

The association wondered why a government agency would fine and direct that the money should be paid to a private account instead of the agency's account or state government's account.

In a letter written to the governor and signed by the President of the association, Comrade Adeyinka Aroyewun, COMTUA expressed the gratitude of his association to the governor on the removal of its member's container that blocked the road around Challenge in Ibadan, adding that it is a further prove of his administration's promptness to resolve issues around safety of lives and properties.

 The association regretted any embarrassment the accident that resulted in the abandonment of the container on the side of the road might have caused the government and good people of the state.

The association claimed it responded promptly to the accident by visiting the scene to ensure safety of lives and property, joining agencies of government, mainly Police and FRSC and paying equipment operators ( crane, Hiab loader and towing van) to remove the truck and container from the road.

 "We could not completely evacuate the container due to equipment scarcity within the state.

The DPO of Felele Police Station and the  Unit Commander of the FRSC, Toll gate Unit, Lagos-Ibadan express road, were professional in their conducts by ensuring that lives and properties were properly protected.

"The container would NOT have stayed beyond the same day but for logistics challenges," the association stated.

 COMTUA pleaded with his excellency to consider the release of the said truck and container; which is currently in the custody of the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority.

COMTUA added that the letter became necessary after approaching the agency which gave "a bill of Eight hundred and fifty Thousand Naira (#850,000), payable to a Zenith Bank Account Number number 1016751601, whose beneficiary is RELIABLE AUTO SERVICES instead of the Agency or State government account."

The association was concerned by this and sent a delegation led by the president of the association to meet with the Chairman.

The letter reads: "Our purpose of the visit was to express our gratitude and solidarity to the government of Oyo State through the agency, plead for a waiver on the said fine and seek clarification on the account.

"We were disturbed by the level of misrepresentation of your government" 

 "Apart from being unprofessional, he did not hide his inferriority complex towards LASTMA, when he realised we came from Lagos. 

"This was noted without stress when he kept referring to the agency in every of his statement, comparing structures and operation mode instead of addressing the issue.

"We were humiliated in the presence of his female friends in the office. 

"We were threatened to be beaten by hoodlums and he eventually abandoned our delegation to play Table Tennis within the complex.

"We were abandoned for several hours before we left the premises without achieving any meaningful results.

"He was extreme boastful and willing to take laws into his hands simply because he claim to report directly to the governor.

"He advised us to go to court and emphasised his influence on the judiciary.

"We do pray that you look into our appeal and also consider calling the concerned officer to order in the interest of the image of your administration.

"Such character does not fit the respect and popularity your administration commands," COMTUA concludes.

Read More

COMTUA returns to PSTT

 

COMTUA returns to PSTT
...Get approval from Ministry of Transportation

The Council of Maritime Transport Unions and Associations, COMTUA) has announced  the reconciliation between COMTUA and the PSTT at the Comtual Annual Congress in Lagos.

This was made known by the President , COMTUAL, Prince Adeyinka Aroyewun. 

He said COMTUA  purposely left  PSTT because  PSTT was derailing from its core functions while its performance was been exaggerated.

With this allegations, the Council of Maritime Transport Unions & Associations, (COMTUA) pulled out of PSTT.

Aroyewun stated that the associations and the committee has now reconciled  for effective collaboration in ensuring  free port access roads.

His words"We left the committee initially because the committee seems to be derailing. But over time, with our criticism and lots of efforts of the Nigerian Shippers Council. I think we are now on track. COMTUA sees the reason to collaborate with them especially when its comes to the area of traffic in the port access roads. I want to believe that if we collaborate we will achieve more results than what we are seeing"

Earlier in his opening speech, the COMTUA Boss noted that the union's engagements with the government and other stakeholders have led to the disbandment and suspension of several tasks forces and creation of functional and supportive bodies to assist their businesses. He however promised to deliver on the Union's promise to bring everyone on board and attend to their needs.

Prof. Odewunmi,an Academia from Lagos State University identified some peculiar challenges working against the  flow of traffic in Lagos.

Odewunmi said disjointed incrementalism in absence of transport policy, weak enforcement of traffic laws and , policy Summersault should be looked into. 

He suggested that the Ministry of Transport should be professionalised 

The National Coordinator of PSTT, Mr Moses Fadipe who represented the Nigerian Shippers Council at the event noted that the Committee have decided to welcome COMTUA back for better relationship and engagement in achieving the goals and objectives of the team.

He emphasised that the Rules of Engagements of the committee  remains unchanged. He however urged the Union to strictly abide by the Rules of Engagement to avoid future disagreements.

"The COMTUA President said sometimes ago they left the Task Team because they felt they are not doing enough but now they said they are back. 

"A father cannot have 20 children and wish that one will be out of the Palace. We have welcomed them back fully as the National Coordinator. I would convey the message to the Presidential Task Team. But be that as it may, our Rules of Engagement remain the same. It has never changed" Fadipe stressed.

The Governor of Lagos State,  Governor Babajide Sanwo represented by the General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Mr Damilola Emmanuel stressed on the importance of technology in the development of the haulage, logistics and transportation sector at large.

He added that bi- annual inspection of all boats is being carried out, water guards are in all jetties to ensure people are not overloading their boats, introduction of fuel-docks in Lagos, Eastern and Western axis to reduced the risk on the water.

The Special Adviser to the Governor, Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Hon Sola Giwa represented by Engr. Ojo Owuro commends  the efforts and contribution of COMTUA to the development of transportation in Lagos. 

 He said the Ministry has issued an approval recognising COMTUA as a single body. 

He enjoined members of the Union to shun disunity but work together as a team.

The Awards winners  are:  Vice President of the Federation, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu,  Managing Director of NPA, Muhammed Bello-Koko, Executive Secretary of NSC, Hon Emmanuel Jime,

 Others are Mussadiq Adesina Elegbede, Transport Line (LTV 8), Aderohumu Folashade T., Maritime Today ( Traffic Radio) and Adaku Onyenucheya, Guardian Newspaper.

Read More