Monday 22 December 2014

FERCSARA Accuses Prof. Monye, Leke Oyewole Of Hijacking Agency’s N750Million Budget

Barely one year after it was floated as an offshoot of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the Federal Roads Committee on Surveillance and Action Against Roads Abusey (FERCSARA) ?has alleged that political cabals from the President Goodluck Jonathan administration have already high jacked the committee and hijacked its budgetary.

Chairman Special Task Force Zone 2 of FER?CSARA; Chief Austen Kelly disclosed this to the National Economic Management Team during a meeting in Lagos last week.

Friday 19 December 2014

FG Awards N12bn Contracts For Sea Port Projects In Lagos, Makurdi

President Goodluck Jonathan
The Federal Government on Wednesday approved a 59-million-dollar (N9 billion) contract for the construction of Berth 21 at the Terminal 'E' of the Lagos Port Complex in Apapa.
Also approved was a contract for the construction of the Inland River Port at Makurdi at the cost of N3 billion.
These were some of the outcomes of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Goodluck Jonathan at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The supervising Minister of Information, Mr Nurudeen Mohammed, briefed State
House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting alongside his transport counterpart, Sen. Idris Umar.
Joined in the briefing were the Ministers of Works, Mr Mike Onolememen; Aviation, Mr Osita Chidoka, and Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr Olusegun Aganga.

Thursday 18 December 2014

SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL VS TERMINAL OPERATORS, SHIPPING AGENCIES

Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Barrister Hassan Bello
• Court Upholds Shippers’ Council’s Powers as Economic Regulator
• Orders Terminal Operators , Shipping Agencies To Revert To 2009 Rates

 
 
A Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi Lagos yesterday upheld the status of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the economic regulator of the nation’s seaports.
The presiding Judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba also ordered terminal operators under the auspices of Seaports Terminal Operators of Association Nigeria (STOAN) and shipping agencies under the aegis of Association of Shipping Line Agencies (ASLA) to revert to the various 2009 charges as directed by the Nigerian Shippers' Council.

Wednesday 17 December 2014

NIMASA DG; Akpobolokemi Dismisses Tompolo’s Gunboats Acquisition Reports

L-R: Director, Shipping Development, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh; Executive Director,
Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services, Barr. Calistus Nwabueze Obi;
Director General, Dr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi
 and Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development,
Capt. Ezekiel Bala Agaba at the Nigerian Maritime Administration
and Safety Agency (NIMASA) press conference in Lagos yesterday.
...Says they’re fabricated by piracy kingpins
 
The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Mr. Patrick Akpobolokemi has dismissed reports that one of its consultants; Messrs Global West Vessel Specialist Limited has purchased seven Norwegian gun boats from Norway.
The Director General, while addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday dismissed the media report as rumors which he said were fabricated by organised piracy ‎kingpins whose vessel had been impounded by the NIMASA in recent times.
Akpobolokemi said that the purported war ships and gunboats were some of the patrol boats that had been acquired by NIMASA and since commissioned by the agency for the patrol of the waterways by the Nigerian Navy.

Tuesday 16 December 2014

Outrage Mounts Over Tompolo’s Gunboat

A Gun Boat INSET: Mr Government  Ekpemupolo
• Itsekiri Group Says battleships may be turned against Rival Tribes
• I’m Being Blackmailed, Boats Handed Over To NIMASA – Tompolo

The alleged acquisition of seven decommissioned Norwegian battleships by a company believed to be owned by an ex-militant; Mr Government Ekpemupolo, has started eliciting anxiety among groups in Delta state, some of which have cried out that the acquisition is capable of fanning the embers of ethnic hostility in the Niger Delta
A pan-Itsekiri organisation, the Warri Study Group (WSG) has therefore asked President Goodluck Jonathan to revoke the maritime security contract granted Mr. Ekpemupolo’s company and place him under watch.

Monday 15 December 2014

FG Losses N22Billion Port Revenue Annually To Apapa Tank Farms Obstruction


Fresh indications have emerged that the Federal Government of Nigeria may be losing a whooping N22billion annually to the closure of the Creek Road axis of at the tail end of the Apapa Oshodi expressway in Lagos, due to the activities of petroleum tank farms along the axis.

This fact was given last week by a Professor of Transport, Logistics and Spatial Planning at the University of Lagos, Professor Iyiola Oni at a one-day? seminar organized in Lagos.

The Professor who was delivering a lecture titled: "Port Infrastructure: Modernizing Maritime Transport Infrastructure in a Landlord Port Model", observed that the continued closure of Creek

Friday 12 December 2014

AFTERMATH OF CARGO WAREHOUSE CLOSURE:


• NAHCO, Clearing Agents At War Over Demurrage
• ANLCA Says 75% Of Cargoes Still Uncleared


The Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on Thursday said 75 per cent of the cargoes at the Cargo Terminal of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) were still uncleared.
The association also accused the warehouse owners of insisting on payment of demurrage on cargoes that were trapped in their warehouse during the recent closure by the Nigerian Customs Service.
The two warehouses are operated by the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) and the Skyway Aviation Handling Ltd. (SAHCOL).

Thursday 11 December 2014

STAON Vs Shippers’Council: Court Adjourns Case Till December 15th For Hearing


The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned the case between the Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) and Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) over issues of charges at the Nigerian ports to 15th December, 2014 for hearing.
Presiding judge, Justice Buba Ibrahim said yesterday that the case should be adjourned to the aforementioned date, even as he urged counsel to co –defendants in the case; the Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS); Barrister Osuala Nwagbara to submit all necessary documents within 48 hours.

Wednesday 10 December 2014

NAIRA DEVALUATION: Customs Tightens The Noose On Importers, Agents


...Increases‎ Duty on Vehicles, Others
In the bid to ensure that its revenue target is not badly affected by the currency devaluation‎ which has caused the exchange rate to stand at about US$1 to N190, the Nigeria Customs Service has adjusted the exchange rate it uses in calculating payable duty on vehicles and other commodities.
Investigations carried out by Shipping Position Daily ‎at major commands of Customs in Lagos on Monday showed that the exchange rate used for the purpose of import has risen to N165 as against the N155 that was hitherto in the customs system.
Meanwhile the development has started generating reactions from importers and freight forwarders who have said that the increase in exchange rate has suddenly caused an increase in duty payable on cargoes, as well as the values issued by the customs.

Tuesday 9 December 2014

Minister Says Auto Policy Has Reduced Importation of Cars By 20%

The Minister of Trade and Investments; Olusegun Aganga
• Says Nigeria spends US$ 6billion annually on importation of cars
The Minister of Trade and Investments; Olusegun Aganga has disclosed that the Federal Government’s auto policy has led to a 20 per cent reduction in importation of vehicles into Nigeria.
The Minister who broke this news while unveiling the IVM Fox hatchback and the IVM Umu saloon cars at the Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company Limited, in Nnewi, Anambra State, added that, the reduction was because of the policy which is aimed at reducing the dependence on imported vehicles.
Commening the result if the auto policy, Aganga said, “we spend about $6 billion annually importing cars. However since the introduction of this policy, we have experienced a 20 per cent drop in imported cars and have exceeded expectations in a very short period,” he said.

Former Interior Minister, Master Mariner; Capt Iheanacho, Wins APGA Guber Primary In Imo




Former Interior Minister, and master mariner; Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, on Monday emerged the gubernatorial flag bearer of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA) in Imo.
Iheanacho polled 972 votes to defeat his closest rival, Mr Okey Ezeh, who scored 44 votes, while Mr Eze Unegbu got three votes.

Monday 8 December 2014

Fall In Somali Piracy Pushes Maritime Security Firms To West African Waters

• Charges Could Be As Much As $64,000 For High End Voyages

Apparently cash-strapped and in dire need of patronage, maritime security firms have besieged waters of the Gulf of Guinea, where they have reduced their charges for anti-piracy activities.
 At the peak of piracy in the last  seven years, hundreds of maritime  security firms sprang up  to offer protection to shipping companies, with scores of merchant vessels being boarded and sailors taken hostage in pirate raids off the coast of conflict-torn Somalia.
However, attacks in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean have dropped from a peak of 237 in 2011 to just 10 in the first nine months of this year, the lowest since the piracy scourge began in 2008, according to the International Maritime Bureau.

Friday 5 December 2014

Former CRFFN Vice Chair; Onyemelukwe Faults Registrar; Jukwe On Secretariat Relocation

...Says 'I am still the substantive Vice Chairman of CRFFN'

Even though the tenure of the board of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) had elapsed since 2012, former Vice Chairman of the immediate past governing board‎ of the Council, Mr. Sam Onyemelukwe has said that he remains the substantive Vice Chairman of the CRFFN.
Onyemelukwe also faulted the registrar of the Council, Sir Mike Jukwe on the relocation of the CRFFN headquarters to Lagos, saying that the headquarters has never left Lagos, not to talk of relocating it. He said that the term 'relocating' the secretariat is not correct.

Thursday 4 December 2014

AFTERMATH OF CLASH WITH CLEARING AGENTS: CG Customs Redeploys Murtala Mohammed Airport Controller;Tajudeen Olarenwaju, Re-opens Cargo Shed




After about three weeks of crises and eventual closure of the two cargo sheds, namely; Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL)  at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport(MMIA), the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde yesterday ordered that they should be reopened.

But, the casualty appears to be the Customs Area Controller (CAC of the (MMIA); Mr  Tajudeen Olarenwaju who have been removed. He has been replaced by the Controller in charge of Ports and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML); Mr Folorunsho Adegoke.

Nigeria Bans Importation Of Vessels Without Local Content



The Federal Government has placed ban on vessels purchased abroad without inputs from local ship builders in Nigeria.
 Executive Secretary, Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board, NCDMB, Ernest Nwapa, at the weekend said such vessels would not be allowed to operate in the country from January 2015.
  This policy, according to him, is aimed at developing local capacity in line with the local content initiative of the Federal Government.

Boko Haram Threatens To Attack Apapa Port


‎The Nigerian Police Force has said that it has been issued threats by the dreaded Islamic extremist group; Boko Haram, saying that there is a plan by the group to invade Lagos State and that the seaports in Apapa and Tin Can Island Port are the main targets.
 
Commissioner of Police in charge of Western ports;  Mrs Hilda Ibifuro Harrison raised the alarm at a function in Lagos yesterday, saying that the police had receive an intelligent report and a message sent by the dreaded group threatening to bomb the Western ports.
 
She said that the threat had been issued since October 2014.

Wednesday 3 December 2014

At Resume Hearing Of Case Against Shippers’ Council:

Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC)
Barrister Hassan Bello
Shipping Companies Say Ministerial Directive On Port Regulation Not Binding
• Court Fixes December 17th For Judgment

The‎ Association of Shipping Line Agencies (ASLA) has described the presidential directive given to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to act as the economic regulator of the port as an ordinary minute of meetings at the Federal Ministry of Transport.
This was part of argument tendered by Lead Counsel to the shipping companies; Mr Chidi Ilogu (SAN) when the case filed by the shipping companies against the Shippers Council came up for hearing at the Federal High Court in Lagos, yesterday‎.
Presiding Judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba, after listening to ‎arguments from all parties involved in the case, then fixed 17th of December 2014 for ruling.

Tuesday 2 December 2014

Intrigues As Court Adjourns Shippers Council Vs Shipping Companies Case Till Today


The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has adjourned the case between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Association of Shipping Line Agencies (ASLA) till today, Tuesday, 2nd of December 2014.
 
Presiding Judge, Justice Buba Ibrahim ruled in favour of‎ the plaintiff; the Association of Shipping Line Agencies, after its lead counsel, Barrister Chidi Ilogu pleaded for more time to study the fresh application of counter claim that was  filed by the second defendant in the case; Shippers’ Association of Lagos State (SLAS).
 
Barrister Ilogu said that counter claims were filed on Wednesday last week and that the plaintiff did not have enough time to respond to the claims until yesterday morning.‎ He said that he needed time to study the counter claims properly.

Monday 1 December 2014

AUTO POLICY: Insurance Firms Hike Vehicle Insurance Premium, Discard Annual Depreciation


Even though the National Automotive Policy of the Federal Government is yet to fully take-off, insurance firms have started taking advantage of the policy by insisting on higher premiums on existing automobile insurance packages and also dropping the policy of annual depreciation.
Under the auto policy which seeks to discourage importation of used vehicles, importer will pay 35 percent import duty and another 35 percent levy, making it 70 percent, which invariably shoots up the cost of such vehicles and puts them at par with those assembled locally.
Shipping Position Daily confirmed that, insurance firms have since jacked-up premiums and also jettisoned the statutory business practice of depreciation, which indicates that premiums drop in value as the vehicle gets older.

Friday 28 November 2014

Fuel Scarcity Looms As FG Suspends Tanker Drivers From Ibru, Ibafon Jetty

• Petroleum Minister; Mrs Diezani Allison Madueke
and NUPENG President, Comrade Igwe Achese
There is palpable fear of another round of petroleum scarcity‎ in Nigeria as the Federal Government has temporarily suspended petroleum tanker drivers from loading products from petroleum tank farms at Ibafon and Ibru jetty. 
Shipping Position Daily gathered that the directive was issued in order to allow the completion of the on-going rehabilitation of the Coconut end of the Apapa-Oshodi expressway by construction company, Julius Berger. 
Vice Chairman of Ascon Uinit‎ of NUPENG, Comrade Owolabi Jimoh disclosed to our correspondent that Julius Berger had complained bitterly to the Federal Government that the activities of the tank farms were disturbing construction of the road. 

Thursday 27 November 2014

ECONOMIC RECESSION: Shippers Council Advocates CIF In Carriage Nigeria's Crude Oil

President of Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA); Capt Niyi Labinjo
(seated 3rd from left) and  the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council,
Barrister Hassan Bello (second from left) when NISA paid a courtesy call on
Bello in Lagos yesterday. They are surrounded by members of NISA and
some senior employees of Shippers Council.
...NISA Says Maritime Is Way Out Of Crisis
The Nigeria Shippers’ Council has said that the continuous carriage‎ of Nigeria's crude oil on Free On Board (FOB) basis is injurious to the nation's economy, even as the Council has harped on the need to develop indigenous shipowners and patronise them.
This is even as the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA) has called on the Federal Government to look inwards and develop the nation's maritime sector, saying that‎ it is the only way out of the present economic recession in Nigeria.
Executive Secretary of the Shippers’Council, Barrister Hassan Bello made the call yesterday at his office in Lagos when the new executives of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) led by its President, Capt. Niyi Labinjo paid him a courtesy visit.

Wednesday 26 November 2014

Tension At Apapa Port As APM Terminal Reneges On MoU With Freight Forwarders


Barely two weeks after they called-off the 12 days strike action they had embarked upon to protest the alleged high handedness and incompetence of APM Terminals at Apapa port in Lagos, freight forwarders‎ have again raised alarm that the terminal failed to keep to the terms of Memorandum of Understanding signed with them.

The‎ APM Terminals had signed the MoU with the agents at the Nigerian Ports Authority headquarters in the presence of the Commissioner of Police in charge of ports; Mrs. Ibifuro Harrison, promising that they will wave demurrage charges for the 12 days strike among other agreements.

But speaking with Shipping Position Daily yesterday, Apapa Chapter Chairman of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA)‎ ;Mr. Olumide Fakanlu said that APM Terminal has reneged on the first three provisions of the MoU.

Tuesday 25 November 2014

AFTERMATH OF ATTACK ON AIRPORT CONTROLLER:

Customs Area Controller, Murtala Mohammed Airport Command,
Mr. Tajudeen Olanrewaju (M) Controller of Federal Operations Unit‎ Zone’ A’,
Mr. Usman Turaki (R) and Deputy Controller of Administration at the
Airport command , Muhammed Abdulraman during a press briefing at
the command in Lagos yesterday.
Customs CG Orders Indefinite Closure Of SAHCOL, NAHCO Terminals At Lagos Airport

Five days after it personnel was attacked by clearing agenst and hoodlums at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service; Dikko Inde Abdullahi has ordered that major cargo handling terminals at the airport; Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL) and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) must remain shut.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos yesterday, Customs Area Controller of the Murtala Mohammed Airport Command of the Customs, Tajudeen Olanrewaju disclosed that the Customs CG has directed that ‎only perishable items, diplomatic cargoes and medical equipments that are trapped at the terminals should be cleared.

Thursday 13 November 2014

Customs Comptroller General Dismisses 52 Officers For Corruption

The Comptroller General of Customs;
Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde
52 officers of the Nigeria Customs Service have been dismissed from the service for corruption-related offences.
The shocking revelation came to the fore on Tuesday during a meeting in Abuja between top executives of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the management of the Nigeria Customs Service.
At the meeting which was meant to address some operations issues between the Customs hierarchy and the leadership of ANLCA, the Comptroller General of Customs; Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde announced the dismissal of the officers.

Wednesday 12 November 2014

NISA Inaugurates New Executives

President of the Shipowners Association (NISA)
Capt. Niyi Labinjo (right) being sworn in into office yesterday at the
Rockview Hotel in Apapa, Lagos while the former NISA Chairman,
Chief Jolapamo looks on at an inauguration ceremony organized
for the newly elected executives of NISA.
...As New Chair; Capt Labinjo Begs Ogbeifun, Omatseye
The Nigeria Shipowners Association of Nigeria (NISA) yesterday inaugurated its newly elected executives led by Capt Niyi Labinjo, they are to lead the association for the next two years.
In his inaugural speech, Capt. Labinjo made a passionate plea to the duo of Engineer Gregory Ogbeifun, Chairman Starz Group as well as ‎former Director General of NIMASA and Chairman Polymaz Shipping Limited, Barr. Temisan Omatseye to lend him their experiences and also join hands with him.
Labinjo had defeated Ogbeifun and Omatseye in the recently conducted elections to clinch the position.

Tuesday 11 November 2014

Shippers’ Council Defeats STOAN, Shipping Companies In Court

Executive Secretary of Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC),
Barrister Hassan Bello
The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, yesterday struck out the court injunction earlier obtained by the Seaport Terminal Operators of Nigeria (STOAN) against the Nigerian Shippers’Council on technical grounds.
Justice Buba Ibrahim, in his ruling consequently gave the Nigerian Shippers’ Council the go-ahead to implement its earlier directive to the terminal operators and shipping companies on some of their charges.
The Presiding Judge said that the parties which came by way of originating summons, did not tell the court the issues (questions) for determination.

Monday 10 November 2014

ISPS CODE: Fresh Anxiety As US Coast Guard Revisits Nigerian Facilities This Week

After its last verdict in June, when it rated Nigerian ports and facilities low in the Implementation of the ISPS Code, officials of the United States Coast Guard are billed to visit port facilities beginning from today (Monday).
Shipping Position Daily gathered authoritatively last week that, the US Coast Guard team is due to arrive the country by the weekend and that they will be doing a follow-up visit to the facilities that fell short of expectations during their last visit.
Ahead of the visit, the designated authourity (DA) for the ISPS Code in Nigeria, that is, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) already put the various facilities and terminal on notice to put their houses in order.

Friday 7 November 2014

Shippers Kick Against High Port Charges


The President, Shippers Association, Lagos State, Mr Jonathan Nicol, has pitched tent with the Nigerian Shippers Council in the face-off with terminal operators and shipping companies. The association said on yesterday that its members would resist high charges by shipping companies and terminal operators.
Nicol who said this in Lagos also added that the shippers’ associations had been calling for a reduction in port and other cargo handling charges for many years.
According to him, it is not a good thing for Nigeria to be labelled as the most expensive in the world– in terms of port operations.

Thursday 6 November 2014

Okonjo-Iweala Accuses Past Govts Of Import Waiver Abuse

The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
The Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has accused previous governments of granting lopsided import waivers, saying that President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration now grants waiver to organisations and not individuals
She stated this in Abuja on Tuesday while speaking at a forum organised by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs.
The minister, who described the previous import waiver policy as being selective, added that it provided an unequal playing field for businesses operating in the country.
She said the Federal Government now grants import waiver to different sectors of the economy instead of individuals and individual industries.

Wednesday 5 November 2014

ANLCA, NAGAFF Mobilise Members To Shut Down Port Over Terminal Operators, Shipping Coys Face-Off With Shippers’Council

Even as stakeholders in the maritime sector remain apprehensive over attempts to frustrate the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s directive to reduce some controversial charges being collected by shipping companies and terminal operators, there are indications that the two leading freight forwarding associations in Nigeria have put their members on standby for an impending strike.
This indication was contained in a press release sent to Shipping Position Daily yesterday in which the duo of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) expressed anger over actions of some shipping service providers in the ports.
In the statement which was signed by presidents of the two associations; Prince Olayiwola Shittu and Chief Eugene Nweke respectively, the associations expressed dismay at what they called attempt to arm-twist the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in the performance of its role as the economic regulator of the port.

Tuesday 4 November 2014

Protesting Freight Forwarders Shut Down APM Terminal At Apapa Port

• ‎Allege arbitrary charges
• Vow to picket shipping companies today

Freight Forwarders operating at the Apapa port in Lagos yesterday shut down all commercial operations at the APM Terminal in protest of alleged arbitrary charges‎ and other unwholesome practices by the concessionaire.
The protest which was spearheaded by a joint task force of ANLCA, NAGAFF, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents and AREFFN, crippled activities at the terminal for the whole day, even as agents were not allowed to gain access to the terminal to transact any business.
Speaking with Shipping PositionDaily on the matter, the Vice Chairman of Apapa Chapter of ANLCA, Mr. Dom Onyeka said that the protest is coming after several attempts which had been made to resolve issues with the management of the terminal failed.

Monday 3 November 2014

Anxiety As Shippers’ Council’s Directive To Terminal Operators, Shipping Coys Takes- Off Today


• Freight forwarders dare concessionaires, terminal operators 

• ANLCA Boss: If they flouts the directive, we will use the opportunity to shut-down operations


• NAGAFF Boss: With our support , the Council can bite

Even as the newly-approved charges by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for terminal operators and shipping companies are expected to take-off today, freight forwarders have vowed to take-on the terminal operators and shipping companies if they fail to implement the rate-cut which was announced by the commercial regulator last week.
Leaders of freight forwarding associations; namely: NAGAFF , AREFFN and ANLCA  told Shipping Position Daily  exclusively in reaction to the new rates, that they will rally support for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to perform better as the port economic regulator.

Friday 31 October 2014

“We Will Continue To Arrest Non-Compliant Containers” – SON

From Left: Representative of United Nations Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO),Charles Malanta, Director General of Standards
Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Dr. Joseph Odumudu and President
Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) Chief Frank Jacob at
Press Conference Organised by SON, yesterday in Lagos
As part of its effort to discourage importation of substandard products, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has vowed that it will continue to arrest containers on the highway, if they fail to comply with Standards Organisation of Nigeria's Conformity Assessment Programme (SONCAP) rules.
Director General of SON, Dr. Joseph Odumodu said this yesterday at a press conference in Lagos.
The SON’s director general affirmed that the organisation won’t will continue to impound containers from importers except they abide and conform to SONCAP guidelines.
According to him, the federal government is working on a platform whereby goods coming into Nigeria must be in tandem with the standards in Nigeria from countries of origin of the products, saying that strategies are ongoing to put the measure in place by next year.
Odumodu noted that once a container fails to provide the right document, the agency will continue to seize such consignments, adding that it is an executive action on the part of the agency and the federal government.
"My message to them is that they should do the right thing because it is not about noise making or petitions but it’s about doing the right thing"
"I have never seen any place where people will subvert the laws and will be bold to make noise about it, it happens only in Nigeria and it will not work under by leadership".
Odumodu urged importers not to breach the laws relating to standardization of products, stressing that whenever importers involve themselves in importation of illicit and sub standard product, the agency will not take it light with them.
Every shipper that brings in sub standard products into the country will be penalised, noting that such actions will be taken from the highest level of government.
Speaking further the SON 's boss reiterated that, " I have a job to do and my job is to ensure that Nigerians are protected from the ill-effect of sub standard products and anywhere they come from, such a person will not be my friend and anybody who brings in such product is actually looking for my trouble” .
He added that SONCAP certificate is mandatory in customs clearance document in Nigeria and regulated products arriving at the country without the document will be subjected to delays and possibly denial of entry.http://shippingposition.com.ng/article/%E2%80%9Cwe-will-continue-arrest-non-compliant-containers%E2%80%9D-%E2%80%93-son

Thursday 30 October 2014

Freight Forwarders Commend Customs Over PAAR


Freight forwarders have commended the Nigeria Customs Service over the successes recorded so far in the clearance of goods from the ports, especially with the introduction of the Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
A cross section of freight forwarders who spoke yesterday at a ceremony to mark the 3rd year anniversary of Port Gist on TV, conferment of awards and unveiling of a new magazine, expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the the Customs PAAR.
Leading the pack, the President of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA); Prince Olayiwola Shittu called on stakeholders to support PAAR, adding that it has fared well, even though it had some challenges at the initial stage.
He stated that PAAR has become a reality in freight forwarding practice, adding that the agents still needed to be educated about the scheme.

Wednesday 29 October 2014

At Last, Shippers’ Council Comes Hard On Terminal Operators, Shipping Coys

• Executive Secretary Nigerian Shippers Council: Mr  Hassan Bello,
Chairman Shipping Association of Nigeria: Mr Val Usifoh and
Chairperson Seaports  and Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria:
Princess Vicky Hastrup
• Orders Reversal Of Progressive Storage Charge to Pre-May 2009 Rate
• Increases  Container Free Storage Period to 7 Days
• Increases Container Demurrage-free Days to 10 Days
 
After what seems like an endless wait, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has finally stamped its authority as the economic regulator of the ports.
The Council has reeled out daring interventions in the commercial relationships between users and providers of shipping and terminal handling services in all the nation’s sea ports.
Coming months after it was appointed as the economic regulator of the nation’s port system, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in a public notice to terminal operators and shipping companies

Tuesday 28 October 2014

NISA ELECTIONS

I have No Hands In Emergence Of Labinjo, Others: Chief Chief Jolapamo
Even as last weekend’s elections of the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) which saw the emergence of Capt Niyi Labinjo as the new chairman continues to reverberate, out-going chairman of the association; Chief Isaac Jolapamo has said he had no hand in the outcome of the elections.
In a statement sent to Shipping Position Daily yesterday, chief Jolapamo stated unequivocally that he neither endorsed nor supported any of the candidates who contested.
The NISA chairmanship position was won by Capt Labinjo who polled 31votes out of 71 votes, as against the six votes that were garnered by Barrister Temisan Omatseye and the 23 votes polled by Greg Ogbeifun.

Monday 27 October 2014

Fresh Uncertainty Hits Lekki Deep Sea Port Project

• Lagos State Tackles  Other Stakeholders On New Equity
• Banks Hold Back On Funds
• 2014 Construction Take-off Unlikely


Contrary to assurances that the highbrow Lekki Deep Sea Port project is steadily on course, there are confirmations that all is still not well between the three stakeholders, namely: the Nigerian Ports Authourity (representing the Federal Government of Nigeria), the Lagos State Government and the Singaporean core investor; Tolaram Group.
Our investigations at both the Lagos state government and the NPA hinted at the fact that the initial misgivings over equities may not be over yet. Shipping Position Daily recalls that, Lagos state had earlier frowned at the slash of its equity of 20 per cent to 18.5 per cent.

Friday 24 October 2014

NISA Election: Contestants Vow To Combat Cabotage Violations

Chairman of NISA electoral committee, Capt. Niyi Adeyemo,
outgoing chairman of NISA, Chief Isaac Jolapamo,  Director, Cabotage Services,
NIMASA, Oruwari Etete and Deputy Director, Public Relations of NIMASA;
Mr Isichie Osamgbi at an event for the presentation of manifestoes
of contestants in the NISA coming elections.
...As Ogbeifun, Omatseye, Labinjo Slog It Out Today
‎About 22 contestants in the Nigerian Ship owners Association of Nigeria (NISA) yesterday took turn to assure maritime practitioners that the controversial Cabotage Act of 2004 shall be implemented and made to function optimally for the benefit of operators.
This assurance came at the association’s manifesto presentation forum held by NISA for the contestants‎ at the Rockview Hotel in Apapa Lagos, ahead of today's elections.
Speaking at the event, Chief Executive of Starz Group, Engr. Greg Ogbaifun assured that if he is voted in as president of NISA , he will make judicious use of the position to ensure that the flouting of Cabotage Act by foreign operators is stopped.

Thursday 23 October 2014

NEW PORT ORDER: Shippers; Council Boss; Hassan Bello Lobbies FG For Enabling Laws

Executive Director Of Inland Services Of Nigerian Shippers Council
 Mrs Adebisi Adeagbo, President Shippers Association Of Lagos State,
Rev. Jonathan Nicole, Apapa Command Controller Of Customs, Mr Charles Edike,
 Freight Forwarder, Mrs Jully Ogboru And  President Of NAGAFF
Chief Eugene Nweke At A-One Day seminar Organised
By Shippers Association In Lagos Yesterday.
In order to ensure that the Nigeria Shippers’ Council actualizes its‎ mandate as the port economic regulator, the council's boss, Barrister Hassan Bello has said that the impact of the agency might not be felt without an enabling laws.
Speaking at a One-day Seminar titled: "Working Towards a New Port Order", organized by the Shippers Association Lagos State in collaboration with the council, Bello said that the council since its establishment in 1978 has come of age and has been performing regulatory functions.
Represented by Executive Director of Inland Services of the council; Mrs. Adebisi Adeagbo, Bello said that part of the strategies the agency had adopted since its appointment as economic regulator include series of consultations with several stakeholders including shipping companies and other service providers.

Wednesday 22 October 2014

SON To NAGAFF :Our Mandate Is To Enforce Standards

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has at last broken its silence over arrest of containers by the body’s enforcement officers, saying it has the mandate of the Federal Government to enforce and checkmate the influx of sub- standards products into the country.
In a statement sent to our correspondent yesterday, the Director of Enforcement and port operations; Engineer Bede Obayi said since importers have devised new methods of bringing in sub-standards products into the country, SON has also developed new strategies to checkmate them.
He said the assignment given to his Director General; Dr Joseph Odumudu by the federal government of Nigeria is to rid the country of fake, adulterated and sub- standard products, pointing out that the organization has been doing so with vigour.

Tuesday 21 October 2014

Cross River Governor; Imoke Harps On Functional Calabar Port, FTZ

the Governor of Cross Rivers state, Liyel Imoke
...Laments Failed Promises To Dredge The Channel
Less than 48 hours after the Federal Government flagged-off the dredging of Calabar port channel, the Governor of Cross Rivers state, Liyel Imoke has stressed the need for federal structures in the state like the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ) as well as the Calabar sea port to be made functional.
“With revitalisation of Tinapa Business Resort following its acquisition by Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), Calabar needs a standard airport, a functional Free Trade Zone and free flow of ships within the Calabar channel to harness the huge potentials in the tourism sub-sector to grow the economy of the State.”

Monday 20 October 2014

For A Record Fifth Time, FG Inaugurates Calabar Port Channel Dredging

The Federal Government last Friday flagged-off the serial dredging of Calabar channel, amidst apprehension that the exercise may go the way of others before it.
At the inauguration, President Goodluck Jonathan acknowledged that the Calabar Port had potential to boost economic activities in Cross River and neigbouring states.
Represented by the Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, Jonathan said the dredging of the Calabar channel was a joint venture between the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) and Niger Global Engineering.
Specifically, it was awarded to a joint venture; Calabar Channel Management Limited (CCM) and Niger Global Engineering Services Limited,

Friday 17 October 2014

“Your Officers Lack Discipline”: ANLCA Chieftain Tells Customs CG


Western Zone Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Sir John Ofobike has said that most officers of the Nigeria Customs Service are not disciplined, even as he called on the Comptroller of Customs, Dikko Abdullah Inde to ensure proper monitoring of officers activities.
In an exclusive interview with Shipping Position Daily at the ANLCA National Secretariat, Ofobike noted that customs officers do not obey standard procedures and protocols of civil service in Nigeria, he said officers fail to resume for duty at the right time, and that they are always quick to close work for the day.
He warned that if proper sanctions are not meted out by the customs top hierarchy in Abuja, the indiscipline in customs service might erode the many achievements of the service.

Thursday 16 October 2014

“No Money Was Taken From Our Terminal By Customs” – ABTL MD

The management of Apapa Bulk Terminal (ABTL) has thrown more light into its recent face-off with the Customs Area Controller (CAC) in charge of Apapa Area 1; Comptroller Charles Edike, in which the later was alleged to have ordered his men to unleash terror on some personnel of the former.
Speaking for the first time since the story was scooped by Shipping Position Daily on Monday, the managing director of ABTL; Capt  J. Bashir explained that, no money was carted away from the terminal.
In an e-mail to Shipping Position Daily, the managing director of ABTL explained that the terminal does not collect cash from its customers, hence there was no way there would have been bales of money for anyone to cart away.

Wednesday 15 October 2014

Tanker runs aground in Amazon River

A 183-metre tanker Seychelles Patriot has run aground in Brazil. The incident occurred on October 8 while the vessel was en route from Rio De Janeiro to Manaus laden with gasoil cargo.

Since then, several attempts to refloat the vessel has been made without any success.

Shippers’ Council Tables Cargo Clearance Challenges Before Terminal Operators, Customs, Others

Controller Apapa Area One Command, Nigeria Customs Service;
Comptroller Charles Edike, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council;
Barrister Hassan Bello And Director Commercial Shipping Services,
Nigeria Shippers Council; Mrs. Dabney Shall Holma
At A Stakeholders Meeting Held in Lagos Yesterday.
…Says Automation Is Its Ultimate Target
 
The Nigeria Shippers’ Council yesterday in Lagos insisted that the ultimate aim of the council is to ensure that cargo clearance and delivery process in the nation’s seaports is automated so as to reduce human contact between consignees and officers of service providers.

The Council’s executive secretary; Mr Hassan Bello stated this at a meeting with some stakeholders including terminal operators and officers of the Nigeria Customs Service.
At the meeting which was chaired by the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council, issues bordering on factors militating against 48 hours cargo clearance procedures, delay in carrying out examination of containers, transit trade and measures to adopt in order to reduce human contact in the clearing process were put on the table.

Monday 13 October 2014

Apapa Customs Controller; Charles Edike On Rampage

• Order Officers To  Storm ABTL Terminal, Arrests Nine Staff, Carts Away Bales Of Money
For allegedly denying him the use of its security gate, the Customs Area Controller in charge of Apapa Area 1 command, Mr. Charles Edike allegedly ordered his officers to arrest and lock up nine staff of the Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL).

The ugly incident occurred penultimate Thursday at the Apapa port when the Customs Area Controller was reportedly denied usage of the gate, owing to a letter purportedly written by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency  (NIMASA) concerning the use of the gate to non-essential staff of ABTL. The NIMASA letter cited violation of the ISPS code.

Thursday 9 October 2014

Auto Importers, Dealers Oppose SON’s Vehicle Pre-shipment Inspection

More reactions have continued to trail the Standard Organisation of Nigeria(SON) decision to subject all Nigeria-bound imported vehicles to pre-shipment verification by three already appointed inspection companies.
Yesterday, importers and automobile dealers expressed opposition to the decision, saying that the SON is only looking for avenue to be relevant in port operations.
Even though freight forwarders have expressed their dissatisfaction with SON's engagement of the service providers, namely: Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited, Quality Assurance Projects Limited and Medtech Scientific Limited, the vehicle importers and dealers have  also described such appointment as "jobs for the boys”,  because according to them, the destination inspection service providers are currently idle.

Wednesday 8 October 2014

NAGAFF Kicks Against Imported Vehicles Pre-shipment Inspection Contract By SON

Freight forwarders have condemned the engagement of three service providers by the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to carry out pre-shipment verification of imported vehicles coming into Nigeria
Leading the pack of the opposition, the National President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Chief Eugene Nweke said that it is wrong for SON to impose additional levy on shippers through the new scheme.
He said that NAGAFF, in collaboration with the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) as well as other bodies will soon issue a joint public statement on the development.
"It is in good direction, but where we may not agree is the arbitrary levies to be paid, you don't just

Friday 3 October 2014

FERCSARA Tells LASG To Stop Collection Of Wharf Landing Fees On Port Access Road

Container laden trucks opposite
Lagos Port Complex gate yesterday
There are indications that the Federal Roads Committee On Surveillance and Action Against Road Abuse (FERCSARA) South West zone has insisted that the consultancy firm that was engaged by the Lagos State Government to collect the controversial wharf landing fees should stop collecting the levy on Federal roads.
Sources close to FERCSARA hinted that the decision was conveyed to the Lagos state consultant at a recent meeting in Lagos.
The FERCSARA is domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Works.
The wharf landing fee is collectable on all cargoes cleared at Lagos ports and being conveyed within on through the state.
Our correspondent confirmed that at a meeting to deliberate on the issue on Tuesday, the South West taskforce team of FERCSARA which was led by one

Thursday 2 October 2014

SON MOVES IN ON AUTO POLICY


•  Says, Nigeria, A Dumping Ground for Substandard Vehicles
•  Engages Cotecna, Others For Pre-shipment Inspection of Used Vehicles

  
The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has disclosed its intention to be involved in the process of importation of vehicle into Nigeria. To achieve this, it said it would begin a new pre-shipment verification of conformity to standards on used vehicles coming into the country.
It has also appointed three companies; Cotecna Destination Inspection Limited, Quality Assurance Projects Limited and Medtech Scientific Limited.
The Director-General, Standards Organisation, of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Odumodu, disclosed this while speaking shortly after the signing of an agreement for the implementation of the conformity to standards of used vehicles.

Tuesday 30 September 2014

NIMASA Promises Job Placement For Graduating Cadets


The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has promised possible job placements for the first batch of graduates from the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP).
The NSDP was introduced by NIMASA to build manpower capacity to address the needs for local content in vessel manning.
Director-General of the agency; Mr Ziakede Akpobolokemi, gave the promise on Saturday at a reception organised for the graduands in Lagos. Out of the 22 cadets, nine were trained in Marine Engineering, while 13 received training in Nautical Sciences.
“We promise to do everything possible to provide jobs for these graduates because when the youth are hungry there will be trouble.
“Investing in the youth is the best assurance for a peaceful nation,” he said.

Monday 29 September 2014

Customs, NAC Square Up Over Fiscal Implementation Of Auto Policy

·   How Customs Circular Rattled NAC   
Last week, the National Automotive Council (NAC) was jolted by media reports that the Nigeria Customs Service had fast-forwarded the implementation date of the auto policy; it hurriedly offered fresh assurances that the National Automotive policy was on course and that its full implementation will commence on January, 2105.
However, the clarification was an apparent response to the report that, Customs had commenced collection of 35% levy on all imported used vehicles, in violation of the policy implementation timeline.
Shipping Position Daily confirmed last week that a circular was actually

Friday 26 September 2014

Senate Says Free Trade Zones Are A Failure

The Senate has expressed disappointment that the nation’s Free Trade Zones have failed to stimulate economic growth due to weak regulatory framework.
Various Senators who spoke at a public hearing on the Oil and Gas Export Free Zones Authority Act, 2011 (amendment Bill) 2014, in Abuja expressed total disappointment at the implementation of the Act and the performance of the Free Trade Zones
The Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act which seeks to make consequential provision to the Act for greater effectiveness and efficiency has been in existence for about 18 years.
In his address at the occasion, the President of the Senate, David Mark, explained that the main ideology behind legislative support for the establishment of the FTZs was to make economically viable laws to act as catalysts for economic growth.

Thursday 25 September 2014

NAC Says, Auto Policy Being Wrongly Interpreted


… Clears air on implementation
Apparently referring to recent uproar at the PTML command of the Nigeria Customs Service over collection of duty and levy on imported vehicles, the National Automotive Council (NAC) has thrown more light on the implementation date of the policy, saying that January 1, 2014 was sacrosanct.
The Director-General of NAC; Mr. Aminu Jalal, said, on Tuesday that the implementation of the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP)  is progressing as planned and that there is no intention to tamper with its implementation.
Specifically, the NAC dissociated itself from speculations about possible reversal of the commencement date on account of recent actions of the Customs, even as it stated that the application of the levy exemption was only being misinterpreted.

Wednesday 24 September 2014

AHEAD OF NISA ELECTION:

Former Director General,  (NIMASA)
Mr. Temisan Omatseye
Ex-DG, NIMASA; Omatseye Says CVFF Belongs To Practitioners, Must Be Disbursed   

Even as the election into the Nigerian Indigenous Ship owners Association (NISA) draws nearer, a former Director General, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA),Mr. Temisan Omatseye, who is eyeing the presidency of the association, has assured ship owners and members of the association that he will fight for the disbursement of  the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) if he is voted in.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos, yesterday in Lagos, the former NIMASA DG reiterated that plans are ongoing with government to ensure that the CVFF is well disbursed for Nigeria ship owners.