Hyacinth Chinweuba
Nigerian Shippers’ said multiple charges, bureaucracy and inordinate activities of terminal operators are major reasons they abandoned Nigeria ports for neighboring countries ports.
Shippers have over the years abandoned Nigeria Ports for neighboring Benin and Cameroun ports over incessant complaint of excessive charges and bureaucracy.
Speaking to newsmen in Lagos, some Nigerian shippers’ said they preferred the Cotonou Port and other ports in neighbouring countries to avoid multiple levies and bureaucracy being experienced in Nigerian ports.
The shippers who are basically importers and exporters cited lower import duties and seamless clearance of cargoes as reasons for patronising the Port of Cotonou.
For instance, the Chief Executive of Advance Motor Logistics, Mr Solomon James, said that every investor was looking for ways to maximise profit, no matter how little.
James said that importers considered the return on investments and preferred to ship their goods through Cotonou port.
“Importers are also given some waivers by the Beninoire authorities to encourage them.”
The Client Service Officer with Eagle Haulage, Miss Edith Azoro, said that clearing cargoes from Cotonou port was much easier than from Apapa port.
“Documentation and release that takes less than one day to accomplish in Cotonou can take close to two or three days to accomplish in Lagos port,’’ Azoro said.