In line with the need to engender export of local products through the airport, Dr. Daniel Ochi, the Director-General of Nsukka Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture has called on the Federal Ministry of Aviation to install Explosives Detector Machine at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Dr. Ochi who addressed newsmen in Enugu revealed that his chamber had an order to supply 100 tonnes of ‘yellow habanero’ also known as Nsukka yellow pepper and ocimum gratissimum popularly known as scent leaf, to the United States of America every month for five years, but regretted that they would not export through the airport without the EDM.
He explicated that it was mandatory for products that are scheduled for export to the US or European countries, to be subjected to the Explosives Detector Machine as required by their off-takers and buyers.
Furthermore, Dr. Ochi stated that the Nsukka Chamber of Commerce is promoting exports of made-in-Nigeria products. Also, he added that at present, the only airports through which they could export such products are the Lagos and Abuja airports.
He posited that if they move their consignment from Enugu to Lagos it will add to the costs of products and by the time their products arrive the US, they might not be able to compete favorably because of price; so they lose.
According to him, the chamber is also in talks with the Enugu State government in an attempt to ensure the issue is related to the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.
InlandTown! 2020