LEADERSHIP reports that in 2024, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy plans to allocate a significant sum of N1 billion for vehicle procurement. Additionally, N35 million is earmarked for both local and international travel expenses.
As outlined in the 2024 Appropriation Act, N10 million is designated for local travel and transport related to training, N15 million for other local travel and transport expenses, and N10 million for international travel and transport.
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However, expressing concern about this allocation, Lucky Amiwero, the president of the National Association of Managing Director of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), suggested that the funds allocated for vehicle purchase would be better utilized for port rehabilitation. Amiwero emphasized the need to prioritize infrastructure development to enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian seaports.
Similarly, Ikechukwu Anaba, a prominent clearing agent, criticized the N1 billion allocation for vehicle purchase, questioning the necessity of such expenditure given existing vehicles from previous years and advocating for a reevaluation of the ministry’s priorities.
Both Amiwero and Anaba highlighted the urgency of directing resources towards critical infrastructure enhancements rather than vehicle procurement.
