High import duties hindering growth of marine transport, says stakeholder
Chairman of Bras Marine and Yacht Services Limited, Prince Yomi Sonuga, has raised concerns on imposition of import duties of 100 per cent on boats, warning the policy is stifling
Chairman of Bras Marine and Yacht Services Limited, Prince Yomi Sonuga, has raised concerns on imposition of import duties of 100 per cent on boats, warning the policy is stifling growth of the water transportation sector.
Speaking at a media event, Sonuga said high duties discourage investment in new vessels and push Nigerians toward acquiring used boats from abroad, often at the expense of safety and efficiency.
According to him, excessive import duties discourage investors and limit access to modern marine technology, thereby undermining safety and efficiency in the industry.
“We keep explaining to the government that charging 100 per cent duty on new boats will only encourage people to import used ones. Why are we doing this? They don’t seem to understand,” he said.
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Sonuga also criticised what he described as a poor appreciation of water transportation among policymakers, noting the sector is frequently viewed as a tourism niche rather than a viable mode of commercial and mass transit.
“This is not just tourism; this is water transport and commercial transportation. Unfortunately, some decision-makers don’t fully understand its importance,” he added.
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He listed benefits of water transport, including reduced transportation costs, lower carbon emissions, and relief from traffic congestion, particularly in densely populated cities.
“Waterways transportation cuts cost of transport, reduces emissions, and eliminates traffic. It can cut congestion if properly harnessed,” he said.
He stressed importance of modern vessels in building public confidence, citing brands such as Sea Ray as examples of boats known for durability and safety.
“For those who understand safety and have done due diligence, Sea Ray stands out. One unique feature is that the boat does not sink, which is important in ensuring passenger safety,” he said.
He added that some of the vessels are capable of long-distance travel, including routes from Lagos to Port Harcourt and neighbouring Cotonou.
Despite the challenges, Sonuga expressed optimism about the future of water transportation, pointing to ongoing infrastructure improvements in Lagos State.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to create a more enabling business environment to unlock the sector’s full potential.
“The government needs to make the environment more user-friendly. If properly harnessed, waterways can transform transportation and boost economic growth,” he said.
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Managing Director, Bras Marine and Yacht Services Limited, Austin Apkovili, underscored the company’s commitment to integrity and customer-focused service as it celebrates 40 years of operations in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Apkovili said surviving four decades in the country’s challenging business environment reflects resilience, trust, and adherence to strong ethical standards.
“This is our 40th year. We are tested and trusted, and we’ve been through everything. You can check how many firms in this country can last for 40 years. What has sustained us is integrity. From day one, our business has been built on honesty, and that has never failed us,” he stated.
He stressed that the company’s approach to service delivery sets it apart, noting that Bras Marine prioritises transparency and consistency in all its dealings with clients.
Highlighting the firm’s flexibility in meeting customer needs, Apkovili, recounted how the company provided temporary docking space for a client who had purchased a boat but lacked a facility to berth it.
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“We had a customer who bought a boat from us but didn’t have a parking space. Because we have our own facility, we allowed him to use it for about one or two months until he secured a suitable location. That is part of our commitment to accommodating our clients,” he explained.
He, however, decried the poor state of docking infrastructure in the country, noting that many existing facilities fall short of international standards.
“Most of the docking facilities are not up to the standard they should be. Ideally, you should be able to park your boat, have your car right behind it, relax, and enjoy the environment,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with practices abroad, Apkovili described a more developed boating culture where families integrate leisure with marine activities.
“In many foreign countries, people park their cars behind their boats, go out with their families, have dinner, return, and even sleep on their boats over the weekend. That is what these boats are designed for comfort and recreation,” he noted.
He added that such a lifestyle remains largely underdeveloped in Nigeria due to infrastructural gaps, urging greater investment in marine facilities to unlock the sector’s full potential.
