FG To Lose Revenue As Clearing Agents, Truckers Shut Seaports Over Failed Road
The Federal government of Nigeria, operators in the nation’s seaports would lose billions of naira as clearing agents, Truck drivers, owners begin indefinite strike over dilapidated port access roads.
The indefinite strike billed to commence today will paralyse activities at the ports and bonded terminals in western zone.
The truck owners operating under the aegis of the Amalgamation of Trucking Associations With Other Stakeholders In Maritime Industry (ATAOSMI), the operators who engage in Customs brokerage and total logistics chain promised to withdraw all trucks and their services from Monday.
The notice of withdrawal of service signed by the chairman of the Amalgamation, Comrade Victor Nnyosum and sent to major stakeholders in Apapa which include the Director General of NIMASA, Executive Secretary, NSC, GM, NPA, Western zone, Area Commandant, Area B Police and Port police, ,hinted that the joint body resolved to commence withdrawal of service as a result of the deplorable states of the Tin Can/Apapa roads which they claimed have been responsible for the destruction of trucks, goods and even loss of lives.
The notice unequivocally stated that the withdrawal of service will continue until the roads are fully rehabilitated.
The factional acting President of National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Ben Ndee also directed members of his association to observe sit up me strike until th roads are fixed.
In a letter to our correspondent, titled ‘Withdrawal of Service from Seaports, Airports and Land Border Stations, he said, “All Members of NCMDLCA are hereby directed to stay at home as mutually agreed by all freight forwarding association as from Monday 15th May 2017.
“The reason as you all know is to compel Government to commence immediate reconstruction of all decayed port access roads and Infrastructure across the nation.
“Our several meetings on this issue has yielded no positive response ,hence this action which though regrettable must be seen as a last resort and for the overall best interest of our dear Nation.
On his own part, the National Publicity Secretary of Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Dr Kayode Farinto confirmed that ANLCA is in full support of the withdrawal of services.
It will be recalled that the Minister of Power, Works and Housing said in 2015 that Apapa road rehabilitation was not in the 2015 budget promising that it would be included in the 2016 budget.
However, nothing was done on the roads in 2016 even as the failed Apapa/ Tin Can roads are still begging for rehabilitation in 2017