Agents seek Maritime Fund support for fleet renewal

Licensed customs agents in Nigeria are urging the government to release funds from the Maritime Fund to modernize their aging fleet of trucks and barges. The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has formally requested a revolving loan facility from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to replace the dilapidated vehicles currently operating in the port industry.

In a letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu, the NCMDLCA highlighted the urgent need to upgrade the fleet operating along Nigeria's coastline. They argue that the current state of the trucks and barges poses a significant risk to life and property. The group stressed that efficient multimodal transportation, including road, rail, and coastal routes, is crucial for the safe and effective conveyance of goods from Nigerian ports.

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The nation’s ports need efficient multimodal transport and infrastructure for the proper conveyance of goods by road, rail and coastline to safe destinations.

The NCMDLCA pointed out that NIMASA's mandate includes fostering the development of indigenous commercial shipping and maritime infrastructure, as outlined in the NIMASA Act. They contend that the Maritime Fund, specifically established to support indigenous manpower development in the maritime sector, has not been utilized for its intended purpose. The fund is reportedly financed by a three percent charge on freight earnings from international cargo, paid by importers and licensed customs agents.

Globally, maritime funds are typically used to build the capacity of local operators and support expansion programs and infrastructure development. The NCMDLCA insists that Nigeria should follow this model, using the Maritime Fund to revitalize its transport sector and enhance the nation's industrial competitiveness.

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The contribution as contained in Section 15(a) of the NIMASA Act, which is the three per cent of freight earnings on all international inbound and outbound cargo from ships or shipping companies operating in Nigeria, is made by licensed customs agents/importers through freight payments for goods shipped into and out of Nigeria.