FG to lift ban on Nigerdock terminal after pledging to abide by extant regulations

The Federal Government has announced plans to lift the ban imposed on Nigerdock terminal in Lagos following its willingness to abide by the rules amid its contributions to the growth of the National economy.

A statement by the Deputy Director of Press, Anastasia Ogbonna, broke the news on Friday.

This was sequel to a visit to the company by the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Sambo, accompanied by the Minister of State for Transportation, Ademola Adegoroye, and some management staff of the ministry.

Sambo said the Federal Government suspended the company  from operating as a result of complaints from other terminal operators, who claimed that Nigerdock had operating advantages over them.

“What led to your suspension was that I received complaints from terminal operators, saying that you are not on the same level with them. In the sense that they pay more to the government than you do. You’re likely to attract freight at much lower cost to the detriment of their businesses”, the Minister disclosed.

He urged them to liaise with Nigerian Ports Authority to work out all the operational licences needed to enable them operate and the same letter should be forwarded to the Minister of Transportation whose prerogative was to give approvals.

“We are always ready to support anything that will generate wealth for this country and jobs for Nigerians and will never do anything to undermine the things you are doing here in terms of generating wealth and jobs for Nigerians,” he said.

Responding, the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerdock, Maher Jarmakani, said the firm had taken notable steps in this regard as it had been granted bonded permits by the Nigerian Customs and was currently working with NPA to ensure all processes needed to get the required approvals were followed accordingly.

“We are seeking your support Honourable Minister and that is why we wrote a letter of appeal for your guidance and your support to see that we have followed all processes and procedures.”

Furthermore, Jarmakani informed the Minister that Nigerdock’s business operations was not limited to terminal operations but includes marine services and free zone operations, adding that the company had operated for about 30 years and within this period, had employed more Nigerians than its peers.

While appreciating the Ministers for their visit, he assured that the company would not undermine the country’s extant rules and regulations.