NAN-H-18
Containers
By Uche. Eletuo
Lagos, Oct. 17 2016 (NAN) The Executive Director, Eko Support Services Ltd. Mr Sani Edu, on Monday decried the economic disadvantages of returning containers in empty form to countries of origin.
Edu made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
He said that the trend, common in Nigerian ports, should be reversed to revamp the nation’s fortunes.
According to him, Nigeria is losing a lot by returning containers empty to countries of origin.
“We are not meeting the international maritime transport stipulation as regards return of containers.
“Nigeria is lagging behind in the 40-40-20 per cent arrangement of container transport,’’ Edu said.
According to him, at least 40 per cent of containers which enter the country ought to go back with goods from Nigeria but that is not the case as 80 per cent of containers are returned empty.
He said that this is“ without recourse to exportation of Nigeria’s abundant commodities that are in high demand overseas.’’
“Domestic barriers that hinder exporters from making use of the empty containers should be dismantled,’’ Edu said.
He called on the Federal Government to reverse the ugly trend by entering into trade agreements with countries that could encourage Nigeria’s exports.
The maritime practitioner urged government to change the lop-sided transaction in order to advance the nation’s fortunes.
“With good political will, we can balance the trade pattern and create the much- needed job opportunities for youths,’’ Edu said. (NAN)
EUC/AJA
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(Edited by Adeleye Ajayi)