A former commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Prof. Bamidele Badejo has condemned sharp practices by stakeholders operating in the nation’s seaports.
Speaking recently at the 19th anniversary of TransQuest magazine held in Lagos, titled,’Harnessing Nigeria’s trade tariff system for economic growth and curbing the influx of fraudulent imports through Nigeria Ports,’ Professor Badejo noted that, high tariff rates, unfriendly import policy, corruption across the whole system fuel continuous influx of fraudulent imports through the Nigerian port.
Professor Bamidele Badejo, however, condemned fraudulent activities carried out by unpatriotic traders to avoid customs duties.
According to him, the nature of service, poor management and administration, poor security management, poor salaries and Staff Welfare.
Others are, frustration, unemployment, as other major factors that encourage and support the growth of fraudulence activities.
He highlighted the strategic importance of timely review of trade policy and tariff system within the economic reality of the country to address this salient issue in line with global best practices.
“The fundamental benefits attributed to trading at both international and national level are- It fosters economic and national growth by making countries specialise within the context of specialisation. It leads to increased competition thereby promoting efficiency, greater consumer choice and lowering of prices. It gives access to export financing and funding opportunities, access to resources and efficient resource allocation, Revenue generation informed of export and import duties,” he stated.
The Professor equally urged the federal government to take bold steps in moving some acts from exclusive list to concurrent list to pave the way for State infrastructure development.
“Government should change the railway act from exclusive to concurrent list which will allow all other state planning to develop their rail transport to easily carry the project out and give them room to cope with their rail infrastructure development as it affects their states.
“Inland waterways need to also move from exclusive to concurrent list. Safety challenges on the water will continue to accept this step. How can NIWA be in Lokoja monitoring water in Ajegunle here in Lagos. This issue needs to be addressed properly.
“For economic growth and stability of the country, there is need to improve on the trade tariff system and to checkmate incessant fraudulence in the nation’s port,” he said.
Earlier in his address, the organiser of the event, Felix Kumuyi emphasised the importance of the theme chosen amidst controversies on tariffs imposed on imports.
He stressed the difficulties encountered to achieve a harmonious tariff system for trade which is in tandem with prevailing realities.
“In the last one year, opinions on this matter have been as divided as it has been and seemingly straight jacketed; with the government camp notorious for shying away from realistic appraisals and objective stakeholders engagements.
“Knowing that Tariffs are trade barriers that raises prices, reduces available quantities of goods and services for businesses and consumers, and also create economic burden on foreign exporters, there should be a harmonious mechanism that government and various industry players would adapt to, not considering the floating of foreign exchange rate which keeps the tariff system in perpetual fluctuation in past years,” he added.
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