The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has urged the government to implement coordinated reforms in Nigeria's port system to reduce high costs and inefficiencies in cargo movement. ANLCA National President, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji, made this appeal at the association's 72nd anniversary celebration in Lagos. He emphasized that Nigeria's ambition to become a global trading hub is threatened by the current high costs and inefficiencies in its ports.
Nwokeoji identified several challenges hindering the efficiency of Nigeria's ports, including congestion, cargo examination, access roads, truck movement, storage, demurrage, detention, multiple regulatory interventions, and fragmented processes. He stressed that every unnecessary hour a container spends in the port represents an additional cost, ultimately borne by Nigerian consumers. To address these issues, ANLCA is advocating for a coordinated port reform strategy that prioritizes speed, transparency, and efficiency.
A key aspect of ANLCA's proposed reforms is the implementation of a National Single Window. This platform aims to simplify trade by reducing documentation, eliminating duplication, and improving transparency. Nwokeoji noted that technology now provides the opportunity to make this vision a reality, but it must be implemented correctly to genuinely simplify trade and minimize unnecessary human intervention.
ANLCA commends the federal government for its efforts to reform Nigeria's economy and reposition the country for sustainable growth. The administration's focus on improving the business environment, increasing revenue, promoting non-exports, strengthening border security, and modernizing trade processes aligns with ANLCA's long-standing objectives. However, Nwokeoji emphasized that reforms succeed not merely because they are announced, but when they work effectively at the point of implementation.
Nwokeoji highlighted the importance of balancing revenue mobilization with trade facilitation. He stressed that a system that facilitates legitimate trade attracts investment, expands the tax base, and generates more sustainable revenue. ANLCA is committed to protecting government revenue while ensuring that the system does not unnecessarily obstruct legitimate trade.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Ambrose, congratulated ANLCA on its 72nd anniversary. He acknowledged the association's critical role in navigating the processes involved in the movement of goods through Nigeria's seaports and airports, as well as its contributions to the development of the maritime sector.
Princess (Dr) Vicky Haastrup, Chairperson of the Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) and Executive Vice Chairman of ENL Consortium, described ANLCA members as indispensable partners in Nigeria's port ecosystem. She emphasized that the efficiency of the port depends on effective collaboration among all stakeholders, including licensed customs agents, terminal operators, and government agencies.
Key points
- ANLCA calls for coordinated port reforms to reduce costs and boost efficiency
- Implementation of a National Single Window is crucial to simplifying trade
- Balancing revenue mobilization with trade facilitation is essential for sustainable growth
