The Federal Government says it will lift the suspension order on Nigerdock, following its willingness to abide by the rules and its contributions to the growth of the national economy.
This is contained in statement by Dr Sam Idiagbonya, Special Assistant on media and publicity the Minister of Transportation, Mu’azu Jaji Sambo in Lagos on Friday.
According to the statement, the Minister made this known , when he visited the firm in Lagos, in company of the Minister of State for Transportation, Mr Ademola Adegoroye, and some Management Staff of the Ministry, where the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerdock, Maher Jarmakani and other officials of the company were present.
He said the minister pointed out that the reason why they were suspended was as a result of complaints from other Terminal Operators.
He pointed out that the complaints was that Nigerdock had operating advantages over them.
“What led to your suspension was that I received complaints from Terminal Operators, is that you are not on the same level with them.
“They also said they pay more to the government than you do. You’re likely to attract freight at much lower cost to the detriment of their businesses,” the minister was quoted as having said
He, therefore urged them to liaise with Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to work out all the operational licenses, needed to enable them operate, and that the latter would forward same to the minister of transportation, whose prerogative it was to give approvals.
“We will never do anything to undermine the things you are doing here, in terms of generating wealth and jobs for Nigerians.
“The only thing we are saying is that the law should be followed. We should not encourage lawlessness,” he said.
Responding, Jarmakani said the firm had taken notable steps in this regard, as they had been granted bonded permits by the Nigerian Customs, and are currently working with NPA, to ensure all processes of getting the needed approvals are followed accordingly.
“We are seeking your support, and that is why we wrote a letter of appeal for your guidance and your support, to see that we followed all processes and procedures,”Jarmakani said.
He also informed the minister that in the 30 years of its existence, Nigerdock had employed more Nigerians than its peers, assuring that the company would not undermine the country’s extant rules and regulations.
