By Olubunmi ISOKPEHI, Lagos
In a bid to boost confidence and sustain productivity, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria has appealed to the federal government to address bottlenecks encountered in accessing the nation’s Ports.
This information was disclosed by the Director of Economics and Statistics , MAN , Dr. Oluwasegun Osidipe, in a chat with news men in Ota, Ogun state.
Osidipe said, ” The persistent gridlock in accessing the country’s port facilities and perennial congestion had remained recurring decimal, leading to the delay in clearance of manufacturing inputs and machineries.”
He asserted, ” There is need to see that cargoes containing manufacturing raw materials are cleared swiftly and ensure companies with additional free days from the terminal shipping lines to clear the containers to avoid demurrage.”
Osidipe urged the federal government to direct Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Ports Authority and other related agencies to treat all request of manufacturers expeditiously, understanding the prevailing situation.
However. he appealed for a reversal of the Value Added Tax (VAT) increase and reduction in the Personal Income Tax to flat of 10% for the year, effective April 2020.
He added, ” This would improve the disposable income of Nigerian Workers, stimulate consumption, promote an upsurge in demand and increase production output.”
