. Stresses the need for improved trade policy and tariff system
ZAINAB JUNAID
The Chairman, LASG Professorial Endowment on Transport and Logistics Studies, School of Transport and Logistics, Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo, Professor Bamidele Badejo has condemned the prevalence fraudulent activities in Nigerian Ports, which are carried out by unpatriotic traders to avoid customs duties.
Speaking at the 19th anniversary of TransQuest magazine held on Saturday, 9 November 2024 at Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, Professor Badejo noted that high tariff rates, unfriendly import policy, corruption across the whole system gave room for the continuous influx of fraudulent imports through the Nigerian port.
He listed Nature of Service, Poor Management/Administration, Poor Security Management, Poor Salaries and Staff Welfare, Frustration, Unemployment, as other major factors that encourages and support the growth of fraudulence activities.
He further informed government need to
He highlighted the strategic importance of timely review of trade policy and tariff system within the economic reality of the country to address this salient issue in line with global best practices.
Professor Badejo who was the Guest lecturer at the event themed- Harnessing Nigeria’s trade tariff system for economic growth and curbing the influx of fraudulent imports through Nigeria Ports, also underscored the importance of trading as a cornerstone and bedrock for economic development to take place in any country, saying “The fundament benefits attributed to trading at both international and national level are- It fosters economic and national growth by making countries specialize within the context of specialization. It leads to increased competition thereby promoting efficiency, greater consumer choice and lowering of prices. It gives access to export financing and funding opportunity, access to resources and efficient resource allocation, Revenue generation inform of export and import duties”.
While fielding questions from journalists at the event on other related issues, he implored maritime Journalists to hone their skills on their reportage and engaged more in research work to create personal niche for themselves.
“Doing investigative reporting, and more research work will enhance your reportage,” he advised.
The Professor equally urged the Federal Government to take bold step in moving some act from exclusive list to concurrent list to pave way for State infrastructure development.
“Government should change railway act from exclusive to concurrent list which will allow all other state planning to develop their rail transport to easily carry the project out and give them room to cope with their rail infrastructure development as it affects their states. Inland waterways need to also move from exclusive to concurrent list. Safety challenges on the water will continue to except this step is taken. How can NIWA be in Lokoja monitoring water in Ajegunle here in Lagos. This issue needs to be addressed properly.
“For economic growth and stability of the country, there is need to improve on the trade tariff system and to checkmate incessant of fraudulence in the nation’s port,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the organizer of the event, Mr. Felix Kumuyi emphasised the importance of the theme chosen amidst controversies on tariffs imposed on imports.
He stressed the difficulties encountered to achieve harmonious tariff system for trade which is in tandem with prevailing realities.
“In the last one year, opinions on this matter have been as divided as it has been and seemingly straight jacketed; with government camp notorious for shying away from realistic appraisals and objective stakeholders engagements.
“Knowing that Tariffs are trade barriers that raises prices, reduces available quantities of goods and services for businesses and consumers, and also create economic burden on foreign exporters, there should be a harmonious mechanism that government and various industry players would adapt to, not considering the floating of foreign exchange rate which keeps the tariff system in perpetual fluctuation in past years,” he added.
The spotlight of the event was the presentation of awards to reputable personalities ranging from Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Akutah; Prince Olayiwola Shittu, Area Controller of MMAC Comptroller Michael Awe, DC Administration Ngozika Anozie of MMAC; Wakama and Commandant Mitchell Ofoyeju of NDLEA; Professor Bamidele Badejo, Innocent Orok among others, for their immense contributions to the development of the industry and Nigeria as a whole and unveiling of the special edition of the paper.
The event was graced by other well-wishers of TransQuest Publisher- Nigeria Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Customs Service, MMAC representatives, Senior Journalists in the industry, Members of the Lions Club, represented by Lion Ajayi, and Oloyede Babatunde, Igbusi Men Socialite Group,
African Association of Professional Freight forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Chairman of TinCan Island Chapter, Alhaji Hakeem Fayobiojo among others.
