Firm Seeks FG’s Cooperation on Rail Transportation

• Firm Seeks FG’s Cooperation on Rail Transportation

The Managing Director of Inland Containers Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Ismail Yusuf, on Tuesday in Kano, appealed to the Federal Government to expedite action on the bulk transportation of containers by rail to the hinterland.

In his welcome address, at the maiden edition of Inland Containers Nigeria Limited Stakeholders forum, held in Kano, with the theme: ‘Stakeholders Role for an Effective and Efficient Cargo Delivery to the Hinterland,’ Yusuf said stakeholders held a marathon meeting, with the Nigerian Railway Corporation to explore the possibility of bulk transportation of containers to the hinterland.

Also, Yusuf hinted that the NRC officials, at the end of a brainstorming session, proffered solution to the earlier bottlenecks identified in rail transportation of containers, assuring that very soon, Inland Containers, would resume full operations.

He, however, lamented the lack of information on the procedures and documentation of Customs clearance processes by some of the agents, which, he said often led to delay in the delivery of containers, as well as congestion in the ports, but expressed satisfaction that all the challenges would soon be eliminated.

According to him, the goal of the forum is not only to enlighten the agents, but to address the challenges associated with the hitch-free delivery of containers in the land ports.

In addition, the Assistant General Manager of Inland Containers, Kano, Mr Abiodun Gbolahon, said the major challenges encountered by the agents were documentation and procedures, urging the Federal Government to enhance the railways, so as to ease transportation to the hinterlands.

Furthermore, he stated that it would result in good timing in delivery, as well as security of goods and cost effectiveness.

In his remarks, the Deputy Controller of Customs in charge of revenue at the Kano/Jigawa Command, Muhammad Awwal, spoke on clearance procedures, most of which had been computerised and protective of the revenue generated by the Customs Service.