Minister of State for Transportation, Ms Gbemisola Saraki has described Nigeria’s ports as the most expensive in West African sub-region. This, according to her, was occasioned by duplicity of functions by operators in the ports.

The minister said this when she received members Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) in Abuja in a courtesy call.

According to her, the high cost of operation has made it difficult for Nigeria to compete with other neighboring countries.

“Nigeria is supposed to be the biggest and cheapest player but unfortunately, we are not. But I assure you that changes will be witnessed as we will soon be efficient and effective.”

The minister, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mr Eric Ejiekwe, stated that the issue of Nigeria becoming a dumping ground for empty containers also contributes to the gridlock in Apapa, adding that the problem was not a hidden one.

According to Saraki, “Everyone knows that and I assure you that we will soon unveil plans which will surely bring about positive changes.”

She further lauded the association for its commitment in bringing about changes in port operations and urged members to always avail themselves of robust discussion as that is the only way the ministry could know whether the policies set by government are working or not.

Earlier, National President of ANLCA, Mr Iju Nwabunike, said the visit became necessary to inform the minister about happenings in the area she superintends, so as to guide her in decision making in the discharge of her duties. Nwabunike further commended the ministry for the revival and growth of Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria and stated that his association is in support of collection of Practitioners’ Operating Fees (POF), as it will bring about improvement in the transport chain and the training of their members as professionals.

Enumerating their challenges, ANLCA national president pleaded with the minister to ensure urgent repairs of the port access roads and also ensure automation of transactions at the terminals to minimize human contacts, facilitate trade and guarantee ease of doing business.

Thisday