Agents Urge Tinubu for Maritime Fund Support in Nigeria

The National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) has reached out to President Bola Tinubu, highlighting the urgent need for revolving loans from the Maritime Fund to facilitate the replacement of deteriorating barges in Nigeria. In a recent letter, NCMDLCA President Lucki Amiwero stressed that the current state of rickety barges poses risks to life and property along the coastline, affecting the efficiency of the port industry.

The group pointed out that the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has a critical role in promoting the development of indigenous commercial shipping and maritime infrastructure. The NCMDLCA noted that the Maritime Fund, established nearly 20 years ago, has yet to be effectively deployed for its intended purpose.

They emphasized that a three percent benchmark rate on freight earnings from inbound and outbound cargo should be utilized to support the development of indigenous manpower in the maritime sector.