- As stakeholder seeks creation of Maritime Bank
(Written by Silas Onuoha):
The President, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Tony Iju Nwabunike, has applauded Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), for its sustained advocacy on important issues in the maritime industry.
He made this commendation while addressing MAJAN members on the occasion of 2021 first quarter review of activities in the maritime industry, organised by the Group, in Lagos.
Speaking further, the ANLCA President acknowledged efforts by MAJAN in adding value to the sector through important programmes, advocacy and responsible reportage. He called on other Journalist groups to follow the example of MAJAN.
He said, “I thank MAJAN for organising this important programme on maritime sector review. This is quite impressive. It means MAJAN is following the trend of events in the sector. MAJAN is doing a lot in the industry and I will advise other Journalist associations to do the same”.
Mr Nwabunike, who spoke on activities in the freight forwarding sub-sector and the challenges facing freight forwarders, mentioned inconsistent policies of government as one of the major factors militating against growth in the sub-sector.
He stressed that for the sub-sector to record tangible growth, policy makers must carry freight forwarders along during policy formulation.
Also speaking, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nurwags Integrated Services limited, Alhaji Nura Wagani, called on the Federal Government to set up Maritime Bank for easy access to loans.
Alhaji Wagani, who is a barge operator explained; “We need Bank of Maritime where we can get interest free loans, or loans with single-digit interest rate to expand our operations.
“For instance, we have Bank of Industry (BoI), we also have bank for operators in agricultural sector. So, we need Bank of Maritime, as a matter of urgency.
“At the moment, foreign companies are taking over barge operations in our country because they have sophisticated equipment and access to funds. With bank of Maritime in place, we will get loans to acquire modern equipment for our operations”.
