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National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, made the call in a policy statement, arguing that the Maritime Fund established under the NIMASA Act was created to promote indigenous shipping and maritime infrastructure but has yet to achieve its intended objectives.
According to him, the NIMASA Act clearly mandates the Agency to promote indigenous commercial shipping, develop shipping infrastructure, and implement policies that strengthen local capacity in ship ownership and other maritime assets. He cited Sections 1(i), 17, 22(k), and 39(2) of the Act, noting that the Maritime Fund is specifically meant to finance programmes that advance the objectives of the Agency, including the development of indigenous shipping and maritime infrastructure.
Lucky Amiwero is the National President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, and he has been championing the cause of indigenous operators in the maritime industry for years.
The 3% freight levy was introduced by the NIMASA Act to generate revenue for the Maritime Fund, which is meant to promote indigenous shipping and maritime infrastructure.
However, nearly two decades after the establishment of NIMASA, critical maritime infrastructure required by indigenous operators, including trucks, barges, and bonded warehouses, remains inadequately funded.
Amiwero expressed concern that the lack of access to affordable financing has left many operators relying on ageing trucks and barges that frequently break down, resulting in cargo delays, increased logistics costs, and safety risks on roads and inland waterways.
He therefore called for the establishment of a revolving loan scheme under the Maritime Fund to enable indigenous transporters and licensed customs agents replace obsolete trucks and barges with modern equipment capable of improving cargo evacuation from Nigerian ports.
Countries with developed maritime sectors have sustained indigenous shipping through revolving funds, subsidy programmes, cargo reservation policies, and other financial incentives. He argued that Nigeria should adopt similar measures to strengthen local participation in the maritime industry.
The deployment of the Maritime Fund as provided under the NIMASA Act would not only improve indigenous capacity but also enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria's maritime and logistics sector.
A sharp critique of the current state of the maritime industry in Nigeria.
Amiwero called on the Federal Government to direct the NIMASA to utilise the 3% freight levy to fund the development of the maritime industry.
The funds collected through the levy are meant to promote the development of the maritime industry, which has the potential to drive economic growth in the country.
However, the lack of access to affordable financing has hindered the growth of the industry, leading to a shortage of modern equipment, increased logistics costs, and safety risks.
Amiwero's call for the establishment of a revolving loan scheme under the Maritime Fund is a welcome proposal that could help address the challenges facing the industry.
Efficient movement of cargo by road, rail, and inland waterways is essential to port efficiency and national economic growth.
The development of the maritime industry in Nigeria is of utmost importance to the country's economic growth and prosperity.
The Federal Government has the opportunity to promote the growth of the industry by directing the NIMASA to utilise the 3% freight levy to fund the development of the maritime industry.