LAGOS – A don, Prof. Iyiola Oni, has urged the Federal Government to review the current Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) enabling laws to allow for efficiency.
Oni, who is the Head, Dept. of Geography, University of Lagos, made the suggestion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
Oni said that the review would enable effective private participation in the rail transportation system in the country.
Besides, he urged the government to invest more on infrastructure development in the transport sector to ensure a seamless connection of all transport modes.
Oni said that the infrastructure development included roads, rail lines and waterways.
He said that the seamless connection would enhance speedy movement of cargo from the ports.
He appealed to the Nigeria Customs Service to fast-track the cargo clearance process at the ports.
“There must be clarity and objectivity in the interpretation of government circulars by regulatory and enforcement agencies on port operations.
“The customs should sustain the education and enlightenment of importers and their agents to develop the culture of honesty and integrity in their cargo declaration,” Oni said.
He said that transparency in the declaration of cargo would further increase the nation’s cargo throughput.
Oni added that there should be reduction in the number of the existing government agencies in charge of clearance of goods and ultimately a reduction of the high cost of cargo clearance.
He said that there should be strong political will on the part of the government to compel the relevant agencies to co-operate among themselves. (NAN)
