Port Challenges: Nigerian Govt Urges Maritime Operators to Imbibe Dialogue

Members of the National Association of Maritime Transport Operators (NAMTOP) have been advised to drive home their demands through non-antagonistic dialogue with relevant government bodies to achieve their goal.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy/Transportation, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola gave the advice when he received the Executive members of  (NAMTOP) at the ministry in Abuja, noting that the ministry will be accessible and open to formal correspondence with facts as well as propositions from critical stakeholders in the maritime sector.

Mr. Oloruntola also applauded the coming together of about 20 associations to work under one umbrella saying that this act facilitates communication and dialogue amidst other matters.

He promised that the complaints, suggestions and the outcome of their meeting with NAMTOP will be brought to the attention of the Minister even before further correspondence from the trade association is received.

The National President, National Association of Maritime Transport Operators, Mr. Adeyinka Aroyewun who spoke on behalf of the delegation disclosed that the visit was an important step in their effort to boost their activities for the good of the country.

He said they were there to inform the Permanent Secretary of the association’s role in Nigerian ports, with most emphasis on the Lagos Ports, as well as to give verifiable information regarding developments within the ports .

Mr. Aroyewun also complained that; information about the real state of activities at the port reaching Abuja and the ministry from Lagos, were usually misrepresented.

Furthermore, the President disclosed that the association is faced with several challenges with the Nigerian Ports Authority’s NPA electronic call-up system (ETO).

The e-call up, Aroyewun stated, does not at the moment, provide solutions to truckers in their quest to access port terminals.

He said truckers are currently paying the sum of N25000 as against the approved levy of N10,000 payment for the use of Truck Transit Parks.

He further lamented that the e-callup system is not completely automated as all other aspects except levy payment still involves direct human interaction.