Traders in Onitsha, Anambra State, especially importers, Tuesday, jubilated over the establishment of Zenith Shipping company bonded terminal in Nawfia, Njikoka Local Government Area, to ease off clearing and logistics problems associated with importation of wares into Nigeria and by extension, Southeast geo-political zone.
The importers and traders whose jubilation knew no bound when the
Managing Director of Zenith Shipping Company, Chief Innocent Obelle, told them during interactions at Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders’ Association, ASMATA Secretariat, along Modebe road Onitsha, that the company has opened a bonded terminal in Nawfia, to curtail their problems.
His words, “It is a privilege and honour for me to be here with my members to inform you that we have opened for operation at Nawfia. We are here to ask for your patronage in order to help you people in your businesses especially in the area of clearing of your wares. The reason why we established our office here in Anambra is to eliminate the sufferings our people on the he process of bringing down their wares to South East.
“We assure you people quick and safety delivery of your wares. Nobody will disturb you any longer and your security is highly guaranteed since we have made adequate arrangements for security.
“All the facilities are available to ensure better services, our company has lasted for 30 years operating outside Anambra State but we deem it necessary to bring it down to Anambra to reduce stress importers are passing through,” he further explained.
Chief Obelle reiterated that security of importers is fully guaranteed, hinting that one of the prerequisites before establishing bonded terminal is provision of Mibile Police, (MOPOL.).
According to him the bonded terminal has been equipped with MOPOL, explaining that he is even optimistic that based on the efforts of Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, in tackling crimes and criminality, insecurity would be a thing of the past within the shortest possible time.
He further noted that before approving bonded terminal, all the government’s agencies that include custom, NDLEA, NAFDAC, DSS, among others, adding that each agency handles its own duty as stipulated by law.
Chief Obelle who is the Omeleora of Nawfia, reminded traders that the issue of payment of tariff is a general issue worrying both association of bonded terminal, Clearing Agents Association and Manufacturers Association, stressing that meeting is currently going on in Abuja in order to arrest the situation.
Expressing satisfaction with the opening of Zenith Shipping Company terminal at Nawfia, the ASMATA President General, PG, Chief Humphrey Anuna, commended the Zenith boss for his Initiative to establish their branch in Anambra State.
He said that such huge establishment in Anambra would induce more industries and also offer employment opportunities to the teeming Nigerian youths.
” I am impressed with your think home philosophy. But, you people should come back again so that traders and importers should converge en mass. I assure you that your gestures and your visit to our office can not be in vain,” he assured.
In their various remarks, the Onitsha Main Market Chairman, Chief Innocent Ezeoha and Idemili zone ASMATA leader, Chief Emma Obiagwu, lauded Zenith Shipping Company for establishing their investment in Anambra State.
They said, “It is quite commendable and a welcome development, every importer in Anambra should like to patronize you, you did proper homework.
A Chieftain in importation business, Hon. Anthony Emenike Nwakeze, who is current the PG of Awba Ofemili Improvement Union, and Director of Eyiponi Cemical industry, (a.k a Tonel paint), disclosed that all the PGs in Anambra state are having a serious meeting with the Governor. Prof Charles Soludo, on security issue.
“It is an indoor meeting, by the grace of God, the AVG of Anambra state, youth volunteers, among others, the crime is gradually coming down, we are getting better than before, the AVG of Anambra state is trying as much as it can, the insecurity is all over the country not Anambra state alone, it is a challenge to the government, it is the news everywhere.
“We thank the Governor for his efforts in making sure that the insecurity in the state is becoming low. Omereora Nawfia, Zenith terminal, is like he knows our mind, he is a man of integrity, he brought the terminal to our doorsteps now, I advise all the importers in the state to wake up for he has brought relief to us,” he affirmed.
Pic shows Obelle addressing the gathering while the ASMATA PG (R) and Custom’s Deputy Director (L) listen.
