NAGAFF blames low cargo import on govt forex policy.

Cargo operators under the aegis of National Association of Government Freight Forwarders NAGAFF have described as cumbersome government policy in obtaining foreign currencies to import goods into the country.

Speaking in an interview with Daily Times on issues affecting the smooth operations of their business, the chairman of NAGAFF airport chapter Hon Oluwasegun Musa said the process of accessing Forex has become so rigid and time consuming.

According to Musa, clearing of cargo must be made to be very seamless stressing that the country was not prepared for fill cargo business.

The NAGAFF chairman decried the presence of so many agencies at the airport saying that NAFDAC and Standard Organisation of Nigeria charged with the responsibility of quality of products have deviated from their functions to revenue drive.
Musa noted that as a result of the development that importers have turned to the borders to do business without hindrance adding that trade facilitation was no longer at the airport as agencies were concerned about revenue drive.

He said there was need to establish more handling companies in the country as the two handling companies cannot meet the cargo demands in the near future saying that the ports were not well equipped enough to meet export packaging on international standard.

Musa explained that because Nigeria fell short of packaging requirement, most goods for export were taken to Ghana for packaging before exporting them.

The NAGAFF chairman urged the government to meet with stakeholders to evolve ways of creating enabling environment export to thrive.

According to Musa, “The sheds are not there to meet the industrialisation requirements. Ground Handling companies should be up graded to meet up with international handling we need more ground handling companies”