By Our Reporters
The two days protests embarked upon by Eleme youths and concerned citizens since monday, 26th July 2021, over the alleged gross negligence and lukewarm attitude of the federal government of Nigeria in fixing the near collapse of the East West road of Eleme – Onne axis that leads to Akwa Ibom and Cross Rivers States; may have resulted to the lost of an estimated #6 Billion naira into the federation account as major federal government agencies within that axis; Nigeria Customs Service and Eleme Petrochemicals Refinery; were not working and invariably couldn’t generate any revenue into the federation account.
Our investigation revealed that all business transactions, cargo documentation and clearance at the Eleme Refinery and Onne seaport are paralyzed; also most taxes and incentives due to the federal government were not generated which had led to huge financial deficit to the statement of account of the federal government.
Our investigation also shows that alot of demurrage charges have been incurred by the importers and Exporters which has the multipler effects on increment of goods and services and economic hardship for the downtrodden.
In solidarity with the protests, the Chairman, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Onne seaport chapter, Mike Ebeatu, has said, ” The protests is opt and timely sequel to the huge loses recorded on the deplorable road and lost of lives of some Licensed Customs Agents along the road by kidnappers.”
Mike decried the incessant attacks by men of the underworld and frequent fall of containers along the road which calls for urgent attention and road reconstruction.
However, he called on all Eleme youths to be guided and vigilant not to allow criminals to hijack the laudable protests to drive home the sufferings and risks of motorists that ply the road on a daily bases.
Mike urged government at all levels to close ranks and come to the aid of the good people of Eleme Local Government Area and Rivers State in general. He also commended the monumental developmental strides achieved by the Wike led administration in infrastructural development and integrated systemic logistics security network in the state aimed to create a conducive and safety working environment in Rivers State.
Recall, that in the half year of 2021, from January to June, Nigeria Customs Service, Onne Customs Command have generated #78.1 Billion naira into the federation account which is a huge improvement against the record generated last year 2020.
