The Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) generated the sum of N302 million in 2020 from its Rivers State Ports and Borders offices, compared to N400 million in 2019.
This was disclosed by the Head, Ports and Borders, Mr Tajudeen Dosumu, after meeting with the Director-General of SON, Mallam Salem Farouk, when he paid a visit to the office in Onne, Rivers, on Monday.
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Dosumu added that the reason for the 24.5% decline in revenue was due to challenges caused by the pandemic; however, the office had still been able to inspect 39,652 containers in 2020.
“In the last four years, the operation has recorded continuous increase in number of containers’ examination, compliance with SON import requirements and guidelines and service charge income,” he said.
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Other improvements listed by SON included sustenance of 24-hour operation in FOT terminal and the creation of an intelligence unit, for effective monitoring of consignment movements.
The SON Chief added that the organisation needed an e-Demand Note and e-Receipting to curb interference, and staff training on Ports and Borders operations, for improved service delivery.
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Salem Farouk stated that the agency faced some difficulties in assessing containers at the ports and promised efficiency through the implementation of technology to improve service delivery and container monitoring.
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What you should know
Nairametrics reported in October 2020 that Global shipping line, Maersk, resumed services from China to Onne Port (by ship) last year, and also resumed operations at the Onitsha Inland Port.
QUITE INTERESTING
302 MILLION NAIRA FOR 12 MONTHS.
A DESERVING ROUND OF APPLAUSE.
BUT AT WHAT COST?
FINALLY,PROBABLY THE DECLARED REVENUE IS JUST 1/1000TH OF THE TOTAL REVENUE.
BIGGER THAN 2019,LETS SMILE IT OFF THAT WE KNOW WHAT WE ARE DOING.
SON could do more if allowed to carry out her mandates fully at all points of entry. SON officers operating freely is not an option, rather of a necessity, especially at ports, for optimum performance at checking the influx of substandard products before coming to Nigerian markets.
thank you