The Federal Government has expressed its readiness to lift the suspension order on Nigerdock’s terminal operations, the Minister of Transportation Mu’azu Sambo and the ministry’s minister of state, Prince Ademola Adegoroye have disclosed.
The duo, who visited the firm in the company of some of the ministry’s top staff recently, said the ban was issued by the Federal Government as a result of complaints from other terminal operators over what they termed the firm’s undue advantage.
Addressing the chief executive officer, Nigerdock, Maher Jarmakani and other officials of the company, the minister said: “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 a much lower cost to the detriment of their businesses”, the minister disclosed.
He, therefore, urged them to liaise with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to work out all the operational licenses needed to enable them to operate and forward the same to Adegoroye, whose prerogative it is 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.’
Responding, the CEO, Jarmakani, said the firm has taken notable steps in this regard, as they have been granted bond permits by the Nigerian Customs and they are currently working with Nigerian Ports Authority to ensure all processes of getting the needed approvals are 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,” Jarmakani stated.
Jarmakani further informed the minister that Nigerdock’s business operations are not limited to terminal operations but include marine services and free zone operations, adding that the company has operated for about 30 years and within this period has employed more Nigerians than its peers.
While appreciating the ministers for the visit, he assured that the company will not undermine the country’s extant rules and regulations.
