Some operators in the mari
time industry on Wednesday advised the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to reactivate activities in the sector by reducing banks’ interest and naira exchange rates.
They told our correspondent  in Lagos that more friendly rates would improve the nation’s economy.
Chairman, Lagos and Niger Shipping Agency, Mr Okorie Obioma,  said that the banking sector’s high interest rates had been a challenge to the maritime sector.
According to him, an importer’s priority is to make quick returns, but the interest rates are high.
“It is true business operators want the new governor to reduce interest rates and other things, but there is a regulatory policy that he must adhere to.
“But the higher the exchange rate, the more difficult it is for importers to make profit because it reduces patronage.
“Importers want exchange rate that can easily be planned before money is invested into any business,’’ Obioma said.
Obioma appealed to the new governor to create the means for people to buy goods on credit because it would enhance government’s cashless policy.
He also said that efforts should be made to forestall ATM frauds.
Chief Executive Officer, Toners Computer Accessories Ltd, Lagos,  Mr Prince Nwokedi, advised Emefiele to create opportunity for  banks to facilitate importers’ international businesses.
According to Nwokedi, with a guarantee from the bank as well as a good policy, a Nigerian importer can buy goods from a foreign firm, sell it and repay the money.
He said that Lebanese companies established companies  easily in other countries because many of them got guarantees from their local banks to transact businesses in other countries.
Also, Mr Emmanuel Imoh, Manager, City Services Company called on Emefiele to increase the period of repaying a loan.
According to him, many importers are indebted because banks do not give a year to repay a loan.
A former president of Federation of Shippers, Mr Ahmad Rabiu, advised the CBN to adopt the global trend in developing its policies.
Rabiu said that some of the CBN’s policies  had affected the cost of doing business.
“Many people encountered difficulties from using ATM and POS (Point of Sale machines) due to poor internet services,“ Rabiu said.
He called on the Apex bank to regulate currency control, adding that because high interest rates affect trade because importers impose cost, which in turn affect the society at large.
Dr Ayo Omotoso, President of Oyo State Shippers Association, urged the CBN to give support that would facilitate trade.
Omotosho said that importers needed financial support to buy ships to export locally made goods to other countries in West Africa.