The Managing Director of SwissDarl Freight and Logistics, Darlington Okereafocha, has called on President Bola Tinubu-led administration to urgently tidy up the repairs on Apapa road, which links to the nation’s busiest seaports.
Citing some challenges hindering optimal fortune in the clearing and forwarding business, he said that the bad roads in Apapa were a huge nightmare that scares investors away.
Okereafocha, who said this during the official unveiling of its new head office in Lagos, lamented that a whole lot of accidents happen almost daily due to large potholes, thereby affecting the job.
He also urged the government to remove some security operatives like the maritime police, accusing them of extortion.
According to him, extortion gives the country a bad name when it comes to the import and export business.
While commending Tinubu on the appointment of a new Comptroller-General of Customs, he urged the president to take a bold step and overhaul the parastatal, alleging that the country was losing billions of naira daily due to some major deals going on there.
“There are a lot of leakages in the system that government needs to look into and be proactive. Go to the port and get information on what is going on there, the corruption there is not helping the country to grow.
“In a clearing, you see someone who applies for Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), you will not get it until you settle, it is a big issue. But you don’t need to settle because PAAR is automated.
“The new administration needs to look into Customs as there is a whole lot needed to be done. It is not about removing the CG, his men are still in the system, and they might still be lobbying themselves with the new CG, but it shouldn’t work that way if the proper thing is done.
“On benchmark given to containers to be paid for personal effects should be obeyed. Nigeria is losing billions of naira daily. It is for the president to take the bold step to overhaul the Customs. Customs needs overhauling. They don’t need to take those due for retirement to a pre-retirement office for six months to milk investors to hold every container they see.
You can’t be retiring somebody to the detriment of investors. Let the right thing be done,” he said.
On how the firm’s growth, Okereafocha urged chief executives to be focused and cost-effective to grow organically.
“When it comes to the company’s growth, you must stand on your ground and maximise your potentiality by making sure you do the right thing. Don’t play sentiments; use your sledgehammer on those found wanting or those bringing politics into the game of leadership. It hurts and doesn’t help the growth of the organisation,” he added.
At the unveiling also, an importer from Bozac Group, Patrick Chibueze, urged the government to consider funding for spare parts and make forex available for businesses.
He canvassed for good infrastructure and a proper road network.
Declaring SwissDarl Tower open, Bishop of Freedom in Christ Mission, Osaretin Ben-Naigbe, who expressed delight, said with the present economic challenges, carrying God along in everything one does is paramount to excel.
