A member of International Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation, Mr. Adeniyi Adeoye has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to tackle all unauthorized and Illegal charges and costs incurred by drivers and exporters in the maritime sector.
Adeoye who spoke with journalists on Wednesday, noted that these are the major obstacles hindering effective implementation of Export Processing Terminal (EPT).
He made these declarations while delivering a paper at a seminar titled “Assessing Economic Benefits of Maritime and Blue Economy in Nigeria” which was organised by Research Center for Integrity Assessment and Evaluation (RCIAE).
Adeoye who said that there are lot of loopholes and fraudulent practices hindering effective operation of EPT, insisted that adoption of holistic approach in the implementation of EPT policy will address critical issues that are likely to militate against achieving the objective of creating EPT and ministry of maritime and blue economy.
This approach according to him should focus on cost reduction, regulatory efficiency, and fostering cooperation between the EPT and existing port terminals.
He added that this will help to ensure successful transition is covered in the Export Processing Terminal (EPT) operational system.
He maintained that these are the factors that are likely to jeopardize Tinubu’s purpose of creating ministry of maritime and blue economy.
The maritime expert while speaking commended Tinubu for the establishment of a new federal Ministry to take care of maritime sector, Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy.
He said, “Implementing an Export Processing Terminal (EPT) policy is undoubtedly a commendable initiative. However, it’s crucial to ensure that this policy is thoughtfully crafted and executed to benefit not only the government but also stakeholders in the transport, maritime industry, and the public. The policy should aim to address existing challenges, not exacerbate them.
“Presently, there are lot of loopholes (likely to encourage fraudulent practices) and inefficient operational procedure in the operation of EPT that are likely to jeopardize President Tinubu’s purpose of creating ministry of maritime and blue economy and also cause crisis between transporters and EPT, as well as terminal operators, customs are parts of the crisis as well.
“To uphold the spirit of the EPT policy, it’s imperative to tackle the issue of unauthorized and Illegal charges, policies and excessive costs incurred by drivers. This can be achieved through proper regulation and enforcement to create a fair and cost-effective transportation environment. Adopting holistic approach in the implementation of EPT policy will successfully address critical issues that are likely to militate against achieving the objective of creating EPT and ministry of maritime and blue economy”.
Operation Manager of RidakGate, Mr. Saheed Alabi in his remark, appealed to the federal government to engage qualified professionals to map out ideas and strategy that will guarantee success of EPT operation in the country.
“We appeal to Goverment to engage qualified and experienced professionals in the industry to map out ideas and strategy that will guarantee success of EPT operation in Nigeria”.
The Director of Education/Programmes at the Research Center for Integrity Assessment and Evaluation (RCIAE), Mrs. Adedayo Aremu, assured participants of the research center’s commitment to equity, fairness and justice in governance and administration in the country.