A logistics and freight forwarding operator, Mr. Humphrey Okonkwo has urged the federal government to install high technology scanning machines and close circuit television cameras at the export and import terminals at the major international airports in the country.
Okonkwo who is also the managing director of Hont Global Services Nigeria Ltd said such devices would eliminate the incidence of illegally ripping cargoes open at the airports.
He said many importers and exporters were worried by the tampering of their cargoes at seaports and major international airports in the country.
He alleged that the consignments were being pilfered under the guise of inspection by relevant agencies including the Nigeria Customs Services, and other agencies at the gateways.
“In other parts of the world, cargoes are screened and scanned electronically without ripping them open. So the government should put in place better technology and security system in place. The installation of closed-circuit television is part of it and putting a standard security system in place. These can be done but who is going to implement it?
Thereafter, Okonkwo disclosed that the company had spent huge sums to import and export goods for the operators in the oil and gas and other sectors of the economy.
“In a year, we pay the airlines close to $40 million just to the airlines to freight cargoes; we pay the vessel companies at least $50 million dollars a year. We have paid over $100 million to airlines and vessels companies. That is what we are contributing to the economy through payment of charges to airlines and shipping companies,” he said.
He therefore he urged the federal government to standardize tariffs on imports and imports pointing out that there were hidden charges.
“The charges especially the terminal charges and handling charges, they are so expensive. From experience, we have found out that there are a lot of hidden charges. After you have given your client a quotation, you still incur a lot of hidden charges, charges that are not receipted and you can’t claim it from your clients,” said Okonkwo.
