A collaborative effort will create a regulatory framework that empowers exporters, streamlines processes and unlocks the full potentials of Nigeria’s commodity export sector, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Nura Rimi has said.
To attain this feat, he emphasized the pivotal role of Nigerian ports in enhancing the nation’s export efficiency and competitiveness over the years.
Rimi who was represented by the Director of Commodities and Export Department, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Mr. Kaura Irimiya stated this while speaking at a one day stakeholders’ workshop, organized by the Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and Investment in conjunction with the Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC).
The workshop with the theme “Port Economic Regulation and Its Impact on Shipment of Export Commodities through Nigerian Ports’, took place recently at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
He highlighted the vast wealth of exportable commodities in Nigeria, ranging from oil and gas to agricultural produce and underscored the importance of efficient port operations in driving economic growth.
“Our ability to efficiently export these commodities is crucial for our economic growth and international competitiveness,” he said.
While noting that the smooth flow of exports heavily relies on ports functioning at their optimal capacity, he informed that the Export Commodities Coordinating Committee (ECCC) established in 1988, played a key role in organizing the workshop.
The Permanent Secretary revealed that the ECCC was created in response to the challenges brought by the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) which led to the privatization of state-owned industries and the abolition of commodity marketing boards.
According to him, this resulted in adulteration and low-grade export commodities from Nigeria and the country’s mounting financial obligations to International Commodity Organizations.
“The ECCC was tasked with sanitizing the export trade, ensuring that only commodities meeting international standards were exported, and addressing Nigeria’s financial obligations to international bodies”, Rimi added.
He reiterated the significance of the workshop, approved by the ECCC in gathering stakeholders from various sectors to examine the impact of port economic regulation on non-oil export commodities just as he called for a collaborative effort to create a regulatory framework that empowers exporters, streamlines processes, and unlocks the full potential of Nigeria’s commodity export sector.
He enjoined participants at the workshop to use it to brainstorm on solutions, share best practices, and create a roadmap for a more efficient and competitive commodity export in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), NSC, Mr. Pius Akutah had earlier in his welcome address, enumerated the council efforts in cost moderation, setting operational standards, and mediating disputes to ensure harmony in the port sector.
He pointed out the high transport costs associated with Nigeria’s agricultural export commodities, even as he attributed them to inefficient port operations, high cargo handling charges, inadequate infrastructure, and congestion at the ports.
His words: “The high cost of cargo movement can be attributed to various factors including inefficient port operations, high cargo handling charges, inadequate transportation and storage infrastructure, long delays and congestion at the ports, high fuel costs, and inadequate competition in the transport sector.”
He noted that these factors contribute significantly to the non-competitiveness of Nigerian exports in the global market.
NSC Director of Consumer Affairs, Mr. Glory Onojedo in his remarks at the workshop also echoed these concerns even as he emphasized the need to address challenges related to port access, high cargo handling costs, and other inefficiencies to encourage export.
While enumerating the goal of the workshop which include identifying practical solutions to make Nigerian ports more accessible, cost-efficient, and operationally effective, he noted that it underscored the importance of effective port economic regulation in fostering a competitive and transparent environment, reducing delays and demurrage charges, attracting investment in port infrastructure, and ultimately making Nigerian commodities more competitive globally.
