Customs Agents Call For A Dry Porys In The North

The President, National Council of Managing Directors of the Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero, has called on the Nigerian Ports Authority to establish dry ports in the northern part of the country.

A dry port is an inland intermodal terminal directly connected to the seaport via other modes of transport such as the rail, road or waterways, where customers can leave or pick up their goods.

In a letter to the Managing Director of the NPA, a copy which was made available to our correspondent, Amiwero said landlocked states of the North were facing some peculiar challenges such as physical isolation from the seaports and high cost of trading with the rest of the world, due to the absence of dry ports.


This, he added, had greatly affected the development of domestic and regional logistic markets.

He said, “The problems faced by northern shippers at the seaport include cumbersome Customs clearance procedures; high inland handling costs; excessive travelling cost; multiplicity of security agencies at seaport and persistent congestion at the ports.

“Dry ports are catalyst in promoting accelerated implementation of special economic zones, if properly located. This will serve as a pivot for cost effective freight movement between production bases and gate way seaports.”

Amiwero said, “Economic growth and trade has traditionally been linked with the development of seaports. As the trade grows, the port becomes a centre of attraction for factors of production as well as distribution- associated service.

“A closer examination of regional growth reveals that coastal areas enjoys higher growth rate, while development lags behind in the hinterland due to high cost of accessing markets and inadequate connectivity. The development of dry ports at hinterland location and integrated multimodal transport system will provide access to regional and global markets.”

Amiwero said there should be necessary supporting infrastructure (roads, railways waterways) in place to ensure the success of the dry ports.

He said, “The establishment of the dry port would integrate the Intermodal system of the interior part of the northern corridor of the country and boost economic activities in the field of production and distribution of goods within and outside the country.

“It would also enable shippers/consignees to undertake consolidation and distribution activities as well as complete export/import Customs formalities at inland locations located relatively closer to their production and consumer bases.”

Amiwero said several associated services would spring up along with manufacturing and service industries, which would lead to the growth of the Small and Medium Enterprises.


Source : Punch