ZAINAB JUNAID
Members of the Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria (CIECOBON) has sought for the cooperation of the Nigerian Shipoers Council (NSC) in promoting export in the country.
The members made this move during a courtesy visit paid to the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer and Management of Nigerian Shipper’s Council, NSC, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime, at the NSC headquarters in Lagos recently.
The group led by the President/Council Chairman, Dr. AyobamiOmotoso urged NSC to appeal to the Federal Government to establish an Export-specific Port to further encourage exports.
Omotosho opined that lack of flat-bottomed vessels to transport cargos to Apapa rendered the use of Ikorodu Lighter Terminal once designated for export, a dead on arrival decision.
To him, one of the shipping lines operating in the sub-region has been providing open roof-top vessels for Ghanaian exporters of produce.
He thus pleaded with NSC to discuss the possibility of extending such a service to Nigerian exporters because the RIFA containers that should ordinarily be used are too expensive for many exporters.
In his response, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Hon Emmanuel Jime appreciated the presence of the delegates and further assured them that part of NSC’s mandate, being in alliance with that of CIECOBON, will result in a partnership that will benefit the nation’s economy.
He also commended the doggedness of CIECOBON in promoting export through advocacy and capacity building and enjoined the body to keep forging ahead in its mission with patriotic zeal.
“NSC will discuss CIECOBON’s request for open rooftop vessels,” he said.
The Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria (CIECOBON ) came into existence in 2015 following National Assembly approval of the merger of the Institute of Export of Nigeria (IEON) and Commodity Brokers Association of Nigeria (CBAN).
