The Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria (CIECOBON) has urged the Federal Government through the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to establish an export-specific port to further encourage exports.
The President/Council Chairman, Dr Ayobami Omotoso, made the appeal in a statement signed by Mrs Rakiya Dhikru-Yagboyaju, Head, Public Relations Unit, NSC in Lagos on Saturday.
Omotoso said this when he paid a visit to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer and Management of Nigerian Shipper’s Council, Mr Emmanuel Jime.
During the visit the President/Council Chairman sought NSC’s cooperation in promoting export.
The CIECOBON president said that lack of flat-bottomed vessels to transport cargos to Apapa rendered the use of Ikorodu Lighter Terminal, once designated for export, a dead on arrival decision.
Omotoso said that one of the shipping lines operating in the sub-region had been providing open roof-top vessels for Ghanaian exporters of produce.
He pleaded with NSC to discuss the possibility of extending such a service to Nigerian exporters because the reefer containers that should ordinarily be used were too expensive for many exporters.
Responding, Jime warmly welcomed the delegation and assured them that part of NSC’s mandate, being in alliance with that of CIECOBON, would result in a partnership that would benefit the nation’s economy.
He commended the doggedness of CIECOBON in promoting export through advocacy and capacity building and enjoined the body to keep forging ahead in its mission with patriotic zeal.
Jime also assured Omotoso and his delegation that NSC would discuss the request for open rooftop vessels.
CIECOBON came into existence in 2015, following National Assembly approval of the merger of the Institute of Export of Nigeria (IEON) and Commodity Brokers Association of Nigeria
