Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, has requested that the Federal Government task NIMASA with repurposing the 3 percent freight levy collected on international cargo. He suggests using these funds to offer revolving loans to local maritime operators and customs agents, aiming to modernize their equipment.
Amiwero argues that the NIMASA Act intended for the Maritime Fund to bolster domestic shipping capacity and infrastructure, goals he claims remain unfulfilled after nearly 20 years. He highlighted specific sections of the Act that mandate the support of local ship ownership and development of maritime assets.
Because the freight levy is effectively paid by local agents and importers, Amiwero asserts that these stakeholders deserve to benefit from the capital. He noted that many operators currently struggle with outdated trucks and barges, leading to frequent mechanical failures, logistics bottlenecks, and safety concerns.
The proposed revolving loan scheme would enable operators to acquire modern transport equipment, which would streamline cargo evacuation from Nigerian ports and reduce congestion. Amiwero pointed to international examples, such as the United States, where government financial incentives and revolving funds have successfully sustained domestic maritime industries. He concluded that prioritizing these investments would significantly boost the competitiveness of Nigeria’s logistics sector.