Federal government may soon wield the big stick on shipping companies operating in the country as some of them continue to flout existing directive on cargoes discharge.
Investigations have revealed that some foreign and local shipping companies are still flouting Federal Government's order to shipping companies to desist from discharging cargoes offshore or midstream and at private jetties.
The directive which was renewed last year due to its flagrant abuse is to check importation of dangerous and prohibited goods as well as outright circumvention or under payment of import duty.
It was gathered that many companies are still enmeshed in the act despite series of warnings from the Federal Government to them to desist from the practice due to its adverse effects on the nation's economy.
The act became prevalent about a year ago when there was serious congestion at the Lagos seaports but it has continued among the carriers even when the congestion problem is non- existent.
Investigations showed that some cargoes that were discharged offshore and midstream were either not inspected or properly examined since officers of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) and other relevant agencies such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) may not have full access to such goods under the circumstances.
It was gathered that the Federal Ministry of Transport issued a fresh warning on the issue because of the fear that the practice may increase importation of arms and ammunitions as well as hard drugs into the country if it is allowed to continue unchecked, especially in the wake of the 2011 elections.
The ministry, which confirmed that shipping companies are still violating the order, reminded that the ban is still in force, an indication that all ocean going vessels have been restricted to Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) designated ports and terminals.
Dr Adugie Abebe, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, on behalf of the minister, had warned shipping companies and all relevant agencies including licensed jetties to ensure they comply strictly with the ban or face sanction on violations.
Despite the ban, some categories of vessels exempted from the ban were required to apply for waivers from the ministry as and when due. Such vessels include Baco Liners which have design concept known as 'LASH' (Lighter Aboard Ships). They are semi-submersible and are not designated for operations at berth. They also include vessels that are too big to enter the ports and berth at the quays for discharge operations because of draft limitations.
It will be recalled that a haul of 350 kilogrammes cocaine worth about N4 billion was recently concealed in a container shipped through the Tin Can Island Port and seized by operatives of the NDLEA at a warehouse.
