Stakeholders identify conflict of interest as major impediment at Nigeria ports

Some maritime stakeholders have identified conflict of interest among the service providers and port users was part of the impediments at the nation’s ports.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that the conflict had led to high cost of doing business at the ports.

Mr Hassan Bello, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC), said that the conflict of interest was part of the causes of the delay in cargo clearance and punitive charges.

“It is ascertained that delays are caused by poor cargo handling, low logistics skills and unnecessary bureaucracy, system failure and inadequate equipment and poor cargo handling facilities.

“There is also the problem of indiscriminate billing system, too many containers undergoing physical examination, failure to position container for scanning or physical examination as requested by shippers,’’ Bello said.

He said that arbitrary increase in charges as well as illegal transfer of cargo to “off-dock” were some of the causes of the delay in doing business in the ports.

Bello advised service providers and service users to be sincere in their business deals to eschew corruption.

Ms Azuka Ogo, Secretary, Cargo Defense Fund, said that majority of losses or damage to Nigeria bound cargoes occurred at the Nigerian end of the International trade.

Ogo said that these problems were created because the operators lacked knowledge on maritime laws applicable in various countries.

“There is confusion or uncertainty with regards to documentation, procedure and due processes to ensure successful settlement of claims.

“The importer, exporter, terminal operators or clearing agents do not know the right steps to take for remedial action in the event of delay, damage or loss of Cargo,’’ She said.

Ogo said that because of Nigeria’s ratification and enforcement of Hamburg rules (2005), the basis of liability was that the carrier was liable for loss resulting from damage of goods or delay.

“The carrier is only responsible for the delay that took place while the goods were in his charge,’’ the Cargo Defense Fund secretary said.

She also stressed the need for feasible rules and principles guiding rights, responsibilities, obligations, duties, and liabilities of maritime operators.

Ogo advised operators to collaborate to minimise risks and promote cargo care. (NAN)