The stakeholders, comprising importers, exporters, industrialists, ports operators, clearing agents, freight forwarders, and security agencies gathered at the Headquarters of Nigerian Shippers Council , in Lagos, at the weekend, to look at the gains of the border closure, and suggest how to further strengthen the economy.
Bello lamented that for a long time, Nigeria has been taking things lightly with its neighbours, and even though the country is often referred to as the ‘Big Brother’, she has become the dumping ground for other African countries. National Vice President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents , Kayode Farinto, advised the government to take advantage of the border closure and build industries, adding that with the closure, the level of importation would increase at seaports.
“There is the need for Customs at this time to review its mode of operations; let us remove all the blockade we have on the road to the port. Government should also try to review the auto policy, 70% of new vehicles are smuggled into Nigeria, the government should make new vehicles attract lesser duties, if these are not reviewed Nigerians will go back to Cotonou,” he said.
Folarin advised the Shippers’ Council to re-establish strategic alliances with her counterparts in Benin, Ghana, and Togo, so that they would know what Nigeria wants, and where she is going with its economy. He advised, “There should be a deliberate projection plan of where the country is heading in the next three years. First, the government should help subsidise local industries and farmers to grow more produce, especially rice, at a lower price as it is done in other countries.
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Source: GuardianNigeria - 🏆 1. / 94 Read more »