Lagos State Government has pledged to give more support to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to further strengthen their operations and consolidate the State’s position as the industrial hub of Nigeria.
Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Cooperatives, Dr. (Mrs.) Lola Akande made the promise at the 12th edition of MAN Apapa Branch Business Luncheon themed: “Facilitating Ease of Clearing Inputs for Manufactured Goods under AfCFTA”, held on Tuesday at Garden Top Hotel, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.
Akande, represented by Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Adetutu Ososanya, FCA, reassured members of the Association that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains their partner in progress and his administration is conscious of the fact that its policy thrust of creating A Greater Lagos will materialise when it supports local industrialisation and heed the yearnings of manufacturers in the State.
Her words: “The administration of Mr. Governor has been collaborating with the Federal Government to resolve the traffic gridlock, improve on traffic management and ensure seamless movement of goods and services in and out of the Ports’ corridor, as it continues to work with all stakeholders towards ensuring ease of doing business in the State.
“The recent commissioning of the Lekki Deep Sea Port and the 18.75km Eleko-Epe six-lane rigid pavement expressway will complement and further assist to decongest Apapa Ports and facilitate ease of clearing inputs for manufactured goods so that Nigerian manufacturers can partake of the immense benefits of AFCFTA.
“The administration has also domesticated the AfCFTA initiative in the State as the State Technical Working Group (STWG) members will soon commence a Statewide sensitisation across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas to ensure that each Local Government Area finds its voice in the overall vision and mission of AfCFTA”, she added.
On his part, the Customs Area Comptroller, Kirikiri Light Terminal, Mr. Timi Bomodi stated that the twin process of scanning and physical inspection is employed to ensure imported materials conform to the brand, value and quality as stated in the documents.
“To avoid delay on imported materials with unclear status, importers should apply for Tariff Ruling at the Customs headquarters to ascertain the compliance of such items to ensure speedy clearance at the ports”, he said.
Participants at the Luncheon called for more assistance from the Government in respect of the provision of more access roads in Amuwo Odofin, removing illegal checkpoints and facilitating movements of container-bearing trucks from the Ports to various destinations in the State.
