The Lagos State Shipper's Association (SALS) recently conducted elections for leadership roles, electing Rev. Nicodemus Odolo as its ne...
The Lagos State Shipper's Association (SALS) recently conducted elections for leadership roles, electing Rev. Nicodemus Odoloas its new national leader. During this interview with journalists, he addressed elevated port fees, extended cargo storage periods, and various other matters.TOLA ADENUBI brings the excerpts:
As we approach the final quarter of the year, how do you evaluate the performance of the maritime sector this year?
The shipping sector remains akin to a crying infant. We have yet to witness our aspirations. We have not encountered a vision that can reshape the maritime field. There are numerous hopes we held, but they remain unfulfilled. Therefore, in my view, it is still very inadequate. We have not succeeded in the examination.
What are some of these expectations that remain unobserved?
One of the issues is the period that cargo remains in the port, which includes the time required for customs clearance. I recall that some time back, we managed to reduce this to between five and seven days. However, now, some individuals are experiencing delays of three weeks or even longer. This is a significant concern. As I often mention, computers and digitalization were meant to simplify the process. Yet, it seems that, overall, they are making things more complicated and causing delays. The root cause of these delays isn't the system itself, but rather corruption. People prevent the processes within the computer from operating smoothly. They manipulate the system, trying to alter its functions. That's the real issue. We aren't achieving the results we expected. If you look at developed countries, you'll see how their port systems operate. Once your cargo arrives, it is usually cleared and out of the port within two hours. That is the challenge we face.
Secondly, for more than 20 years, I have been highlighting the issue of port fees — the expenses involved in operating within Nigerian ports. Nigeria has the most expensive ports on the continent. I have been vocal and working towards change, but there has been no reduction. On the contrary, additional charges are constantly being introduced. These are the factors I consider when evaluating the maritime sector. We still have a long way to go.
Wishing you success in your newly elected role as the president of SALS. How are you feeling about your upcoming duties?
Thank you for the kind message. I am pleased to assume the leadership of the association, as I possess the necessary experience. I am one of the original founders of the association. We established it together. I was the first treasurer of the organization, and I have been involved in every administration that has come and gone. I can say that Reverend Jonathan Nicole's administration has been the most fair and effective so far. However, this time, I aim to do something different — something that can surpass Reverend Jonathan Nicole's achievements. Therefore, I am happy and excited to take on the leadership of the association. I have the capability to bring about positive changes.
My only prayer is for people to work together. With collaboration, we can accomplish many things. As I take on the role of president, I emphasize to everyone: you shouldn't just aim to seize leadership like politicians often do, without a clear vision of what you intend to achieve. I don't support spending six months in office without the public noticing the effects of your leadership. Therefore, I promise you that by the time I finish 100 days in my position, the entire maritime sector will be aware of the positive developments I will have brought about for the association and the industry as a whole, by God's grace.
Could you tell me about your path in the shipping and logistics industry that led you to where you are now?
I entered the maritime sector in 1978 and have remained in the field ever since. I received training in clearing and forwarding — specifically, how to clear and export merchandise. I also gained experience in transport and cargo delivery, managing truck services and ensuring that cargo reaches its intended location. In 1991, I earned my certification as a freight forwarder. Around 1994 or 1995, I was recognized as the Best Freight Forwarder in Nigeria. From 1999 to 2000, I was honored with an international award for Best International Freight Forwarder from Sweden. By 2001 to 2002, I expanded into importation, beginning with fertilizers. One of my import agreements was valued at approximately $900,000 annually. Later, I moved into importing chemicals for the PET industry.
However, challenges within the maritime industry have not worked in my favor, as I frequently advocate for the rights of other shippers. Usually, I raise concerns when there are issues, which often takes up my time and resources. By the time my goods eventually leave the port, the landing cost is frequently more than the market selling price. I have extensive experience in the maritime field. I have held leadership positions in freight forwarding. I am one of the original founders of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA). I have participated in international conferences — in the U.S. (2010) and Singapore (2013) — through FIATA. Therefore, by God's grace, I am not someone easily intimidated in this industry.
Throughout the years, SALS has experienced internal conflicts and competing groups. However, it appears that peace has now been reestablished. As the new president, how do you plan to bring together those who have been hurt or dissatisfied?
First and foremost, I have mentioned this multiple times: there is no faction within the Shippers Association of Lagos State. What occurred was an internal conflict. The conflict started when the previous executive, headed by Mr. Leo Ogamba, took control by ousting Reverend Jonathan Nicole's executive. That ousting was done improperly. At the time of this event, I was abroad. Upon learning about it, I returned to Nigeria to address the issue as a trustee of the association.
By the grace of God and with the support of our members, I convened the Board of Trustees and we examined the issue. We discovered that the process used to remove Reverend Nicole from the executive was incorrect, and they acknowledged this. Therefore, if it was wrong, it needed to be corrected. This led Reverend Nicole and his group to take legal action. When I became involved, God used me to bring everyone together. Even Leo Ogamba called me, crying that he had lost his executive and no one was listening to him. I returned, reconciled the groups, and withdrew Reverend Nicole's court case. Later, Mr. Ogamba turned authoritarian, refusing to heed anyone's advice. When the association made decisions, he acted contrary to them. Eventually, he was removed and impeached. He took legal action, but the court ruled that he was not a member of the association. That resolved the matter. There is no longer any faction. Those who supported him previously have now withdrawn. Now, under my leadership, we are working to bring back inactive members and welcome new ones. Anyone with a bill of lading proving ownership of cargo can join us. Our administration is fully inclusive. No one will be excluded. Decisions are made during our general meetings, and the executive enforces them. We are in a good position.
As the National president, what are your plans for SALS?
During the tenure of Reverend Jonathan Nicole, I collaborated with him, and we arranged the Shippers’ Day. This year, by December 3, we will be conducting another Shippers’ Day, with a focus on various charges within the port system and the Nigeria Single Window Project. We aim to address the advantages of these initiatives before the government imposes further financial pressures on shippers. As you know, in Nigeria, the chicken that lays the golden egg (the shipper) is not being properly nourished. Instead, they are having their feathers plucked. Customs claim to generate revenue, but what they are really doing is pulling the feathers from the chicken. Importation levels have declined, and those who continue importing are facing extremely high charges. They are being drained. If urgent action is not taken, they will perish. The government should not set revenue targets for Customs. When you do, officers will resort to any means, even draining the lifeblood of shippers to meet those targets.
In addition, within the next 100 days, we are launching a significant effort to expand our membership. We are also planning a stakeholder meeting that will include shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, truckers, and shippers. For more than 25 years, I have been advocating for this initiative to bring all parties together. Why? Because no one is taking responsibility within Nigeria's port system. If there is a delay caused by a faulty crane, who ends up paying? It's the shipper. If shipping companies or terminals make mistakes, the shipper still bears the cost. All the burden falls on the shipper. We aim to change this. Everyone needs to take ownership of their responsibilities. That is how the system can begin to function properly.
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