NBCC President Appeals to NAHCO and SAHCOL to Bury Hatchet and Resume Operations

President of Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Prince Adeyemi .A. Adefulu, MFR, has appealed to the National Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and Skypower Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL), to bury the hatchet for national interest. The Nigerian Customs Service close the warehouse belonging to both establishments due to their inability to agree on the safety measures/infrastructure for the effective protection of public officer’s during the execution of official duties.

Speaking in Lagos from the NBCC office, Prince Adefulu said: “NBCC fully appreciates the legitimate concerns of Nigeria Customs Service. Customs officers are Nigerian citizens and are entitled to be protected in the discharge of their official duties. Indeed, the Chamber condemns the alleged attacks on the Area Comptroller of the Lagos Airport Customs Command by thugs during an inspection tour of the warehouses. There is no justification for such lawlessness which could lead to grievous bodily harm or even death if the situation got out of hand.”

“While the NBCC appreciates the concern of the Customs Department, there is a very compelling need for the larger consideration of the larger interest of the country which has arisen from the closure of these warehouses. Inevitably, cargo has stockpiled in the warehouses since there has been no cargo deliveries for over a week. Nigerian-bound air-cargoes from all over the world are piling in overseas warehouses. Sales contracts and letters of credit are at risk of non-compliance with agreed terms. Demurrage is accruing on all cargo. Expectedly, damage could occur due to the massive stockpiling. There is the risk of cargo being left on the tarmac if warehouses are filled to capacity.” said Adefulu.

The NBCC president expressed fear that a prolonged closure of cargo service can cause harm to the economy which currently prides itself as the largest in Africa. Nigeria’s international reputation in global trade might also be jeopardized at a time the economy is struggling with foreign exchange values and the country’s trade partners are justifiably anxious about the future doing business with/in the country.

Prince Adefulu implores all parties to sheath their swords: “The NBCC implores Nigerian Customs Service to speedily review the closure of the warehouses in the light of the above-mentioned considerations to enable an amicable resolution with all parties. Anything short of this will do incalculable damage to the integrity of international contracts made by the country.”

Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce is the foremost business platform between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.