The Port Consultative Council (PCC) yesterday urged port operators to adhere to the newly introduced Cargo Tracking Note (CTN) to ensure safety of cargoes.
The controversial CTN, reintroduced last year by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) five years after it was scrapped by the Federal Government due to the additional cost burden it imposed on importers, has come under severe criticisms by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and a section of the maritime industry stakeholders.
But PCC Chairman, Otunba Kunle Folarin yesterday said, “Let everybody pay what you have collected money for and deliver the service for which you have collected money for.
“If you do not want this methodology that costs money, tell us another methodology that does not cost money.
“Let those who are collecting money for services bringing cargo into Nigeria; for services releasing cargo to consignee.
“Tell us, what is the purpose of what you are collecting?
“What service is it for; simple, no quarrel; we are dialoguing.
“Let us hear you; administrative fee, amendment fee, so many fees.
“Let anybody that wants to collect it, collect that money, let him provide that service.
“If we get value for that service, we shall keep quiet; if we do not get value, we shall talk.
“But that service (CTN) is a must; if anybody is gaining from it unethically, we shall expose that person, we shall expose that organisation.”
Folarin urged government agencies to prevent dangerous cargoes from entering the county in line with their legitimate duties.
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