The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s port inefficiencies, stating that over 75 percent of goods offloaded in the Benin Republic are ultimately bound for Nigerian markets.
Abbas made the remark on Wednesday while receiving a delegation from the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) at the National Assembly, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Musa Krishi.
The Speaker attributed the diversion of cargo to neighbouring countries to persistent administrative and regulatory bottlenecks at Nigerian ports and border posts, which he said are costing the country significant revenue.
“I hear that over 75 percent of goods offloaded in Benin Republic are actually meant for Nigerian destinations,” Abbas said, adding that during a recent official visit to Morocco, Nigerian officials faced criticism for delays in the country’s import and export systems.
“We cannot continue to allow our economy to bleed while our neighbours benefit from our inefficiencies,” he stated.
Abbas commended PEBEC’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business, particularly its youth-led initiatives, and pledged the House’s full support in eliminating barriers to trade, investment, and economic growth.
“We are ready and willing to do everything humanly possible to support you so that you can succeed,” he assured the delegation.
In her remarks, Zara Mustapha Audu, Director-General of PEBEC, said the delegation was representing Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who chairs the council. She delivered a letter from the Vice-President and appealed to the House for support in resolving tensions between the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN) and the private sector.
Audu noted that PEBEC oversees the activities of 69 ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) related to the economy and is working to streamline regulatory processes. However, she acknowledged ongoing resistance in some sectors.
