By Godwin Oritse

MARITIME stakeholders yesterday expressed fear of Nigeria standing the  risk of  losing a whopping sum of N21biollion annually and increased cargo diversion to ports of neighbouring countries if it goes ahead to implement the proposed palletization policy.

They opined that the policy was  archaic just as it will set the country back by many years just as importers will bear the cost of palletization while creating jobs for nationals of other countries.

Sea port

Speaking at a Town Hall meeting in Lagos, Managing Director of the CMA CGM Shipping Company, , Mr Todd Rives said that the policy will lead to the loss of over $60million annually

He warned that the policy must  be thoroughly thought through before it is implemented.

Prince Shittu Olayiwola, President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA said that the policy will be difficult to implement because Nigeria is an import oriented country.

“Palletization will enhance corruption in the ports, as internally generated revenue  within the government as these IGRs do not go into the federation accounts”

“Palletization is not our priority rather let us look at how can improve services at the ports.”

He explained that the economy will suffer for it as shippers will charge more the space that will be taken over by pallets.

Simialrly, Mr. Henry Ajo, who represented the Chief Executive of Sifax group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, said that palletization cannot work for a number of factors.

Ajo explained that the policy will create jobs for some government agencies as these pallets would have to taken care of after its usage.

“Government should critically look at the policy again, government should provide scanners for customs in ports across the country.”

Dr Frank Ojadi of the Lagos Business School, LBS, said that if the objectives of the policy is to facilitate trade, then it should be embrace.

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside  who also represented by the agency’s Director of Maritime Labour, mr. Abbass Olayemi noted that policies of Government are received with mistrust .

He said that palletization will at a cost adding that it will however enhance the ease of doing business.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello said that

palletization of cargo is international best practice .