The Lagos Shippers Association (SALS) said over the weekend that 82% of agro-allies exported by Nigeria are either seized or rejected in Europe.

According to a statement signed by SALS President Reverend Jonathan Nicole, the group also attributed the quest for a more conducive business environment to the lingering effects of turmoil, lawlessness and other negative consequences experienced in 2021.

He called on the port economic regulator to be more proactive in reducing and eliminating the root causes of maritime delay.

Nicole noted that restrictions on foreign exchange would be counterproductive as many industries would be severely affected by the policy.

According to him, the import trade will suffer from exchange restrictions.

He noted that importers could hardly afford the freight cost because the approved window was a limit of $ 5,000 for 30 days.

“Freight over $ 5,000 will be withheld until freight charges have been fully prepaid in advance. Goods will incur overseas storage charges as long as the freight is on hold and this type of restriction is counterproductive.

“However, it is encouraging that President Buhari has pledged to provide hard currency to industries and manufactures in 2022 due to the importance of local production of essential materials and for exports,” he said.
Nicole noted that the other major challenge was that 82 percent of the country’s agro-allies are either seized or rejected by EU countries, the reasons being that they are exported illegally without certification from government agencies.

“82% of the exported goods are huge. In this light, it could seriously affect our farmers directly or indirectly without the export earnings of recipients abroad, ”he said.

Nicole said that in order to have a good trading environment, shippers expect the CEMA Nigerian Customs Service amendment to respond to the current realities of global trade agreements. No more threats for importers.

He said they seek peaceful coexistence in maritime sectors, urging shipping companies and terminal operators to induce the development of maritime systems and not just increase costs as a major goal.

“We foresee a reduction in the cost of doing business in Nigeria and encourage entrepreneurship through direct investment from the proceeds of our imports.

“The safety of our waterways must be guaranteed. Fishing boats must be protected to allow Nigerians to supply our various markets with fish. This is local content.

“The Gulf of Guinea must be protected from pirate invaders. Nigerian waters should be safe enough for ourselves as stakeholders in Nigeria, ”he added.

Nicole urged freight forwarders to get closer to the owners of the goods who provide them with jobs rather than becoming spies for government agencies in the name of get rich quick.

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82% of Nigerian agro-allied export products rejected in Europe Shippers