By Providence Ayanfeoluwa

Badagry Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture, BACCIMA has said that the proposed deep seaport in Badagry would lead to a considerable reduction in smuggling, if not by zero, at least by 20 percent.

President of BACCIMA, a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Yahaya Idris, said that the construction of the port would attract more investors to Badagry and provide job opportunities for artisans and vendors.

Speaking at the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN Exco retreat, he said the port would thrive because Badagry has a lot of economic potentials that can support it.

Idris noted that with the huge investment opportunities and vibrant infrastructure in Lagos State, Badagry is fully ready for the proposed deep seaport because it is the superhighway to ECOWAS and Europe.

He further explained that Badagry is home of the most significant border post in Nigeria, Seme Border that also enjoys good intermodal transportation systems including good waterways and Lagos-Sokoto Expressway that can serve as a trans-shipment route to landlocked countries of Niger Republic and Chad.

He pointed out that both Niger Republic and Chad prefer Nigerian ports for their cargoes.

According to him, “We are fully aware of the economic viabilities of Badagry. It is a superhighway to ECOWAS and Europe and the home of the most significant border post in Nigeria. Majority of Nigerian cargo stemmed down at ports in Benin Republic and Togo Republic will be dropped at Badagry Deep Seaport. The port will serve as a trans-shipment hub for landlocked countries of Niger Republic and Chad.

“Badagry has a good waterway. It makes it easier to come to Badagry and down to Benin Republic through the lagoon. As a matter of fact, the port will lead to a considerable reduction in smuggling, if not by zero percent but at least by 20 percent, when completed,” he said.

However, he called on the Federal Government, Lagos State Government and promoters of the port to come to a roundtable and resolve all the grey areas that are hindering the commencement of the port construction.

He said: “As a chamber, we are expecting the construction of the port to start in 2025. We are enjoining the government, the promoters and landowners to talk and settle the grey areas in the port agreement. The port will add to the growth of Badagry”.

He advised the federal government to open up the borders and allow vehicles to coming to avoid revenue loss and unwarranted death of officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service.

On trade facilitation, he said that trade facilitation is a collective responsibility among importers, customs agents, the Customs and other agencies involved in free-flow of cargo in and out of the port.

According to him, “Trade can be facilitated when importers are honest with their consignments. Lack of transparency brings about multiple debit notes everywhere. Trade facilitation starts from importers, agents and me.

“Also, NAFDAC and SON treating the same products delays trade facilitation. Government has to intervene and delineate functions of these agencies properly. Above all, some goods need reclassification.”