Export: Experts to strengthen acceptability of Nigerian agro products

By Uzor Odigbo
The Managing Director, ABX World, Captain John Okakpu, has revealed that the federal ministries of agriculture, Trade and Investment, Transportation among others are synergizing with Global, Good Agricultural Practice (GLOBALG.A.P) to strengthen Nigerian agricultural produce to meet international standards for acceptability in export market.
Speaking on the challenges and way forward for Nigerian Agro Exports at the second Nigerian Auto -Marine Conference in Lagos over the weekend, Captain Okakpu, said the move is  to aid local farmers get GlobalG.A.P Certification among others benefits.
Okakpu implored the federal government to help farmers in capacity building, low interest funds and improve on processing system.
“It’s high time federal government stopped treating agriculture and maritime sub- sectors with levity considering the impacts of the sectors to the economy,”
Okakpu said, “when President Muhammedu Burahi, gives a nod to these efforts, in 2 years Nigeria will make not less than N250 billion from Agricultural exports given our agricultural products like ginger, Nsukka pepper and onions which are the best in the world,” he affirmed.
Speaking also, the MD, Inland Container Nigeria Ltd (ICNL), Ismail Yusuf represented by Abiodun Lawal, said Nigeria government must computerise Ports  systems to ensure seamless maritime operations. “government must restructure the Ports environment and install a computerized terminal operating system,”
Yusuf challenged the government to desist from feeding Nigerians with false information regarding its activities, rather engage experts who have the capabilities to put the maritime sector in the right track, hence; what is said to be done must be seen to have been done.
He added that the government must be proactive and transparent in its policy design and address logistics challenges by opening dormant ports (sea/dry) in other parts of the country, moreover; regulators must live up to expectations.
On his part, the PRO, National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), and MD of Sovereign Gate Int Ltd, Ralph Agboogu, decried the complexities and multiplicities of activities involved in transacting maritime business which has impoverished millions of Nigerians due to stagnation in maritime and other economic activities.
“Government must stop gambling with the welfare of Nigerians who depends majorly on imports and exports, they should review Auto Policy, clear Apapa gridlock and do other neccesary things to eliminate hurdles to business operations,”
“They should consider 48hrs Cargo Dwell Time recommended, and consult stakeholders and industry experts for dialogue to profer ways forward in making the maritime sector efficient and effective for the betterment of all Nigerians.” he stressed