Coming on the heels of the challenges faced by the indigenous shipowners over the issue of funding and competing favourably internationally, a foremost Nigerian bank, Eco bank has said that many of the indigenous shipowners do not meet loan requirements.
The Head Maritime Centre of EcoBank, Mrs. Deremi Akinsete -Chidi disclosed during a chat with our correspondent at the ongoing Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) 2014.
Deremi noted that her organisation created the maritime desk to address many of the issues ongoing in the sector; amongst which is the issue of funding of the indigenous shipowners so they contribute their quota to the growing economy.
She said the bank does businesses with maritime agencies such as the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), theNigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and shipping companies to boost efficiency.
Reacting to the allegations of bank not willing to support the indigenous shipowners, she noted that they lack the basic requirement of funding.
According to her, “when they come to us for loan, we will ask questions like, what do they need it for? How will they refund the money at the time of expiration? And we will need a collateral before we can give the loan but its so surprising that many of them do not have these requirement, so do you advice we give loans in such cases? She queried.
She stressed that many of the indigenous Shipowners do not have jobs neither do they have off keeps or even a long term plan.
“Some of this companies do not even have a business proposal or a business plan for what they are asking money from, and they expect to get loan from us, how is that possible?.
However, she noted that the bank is ready to finance those who can meet the basic requirement.
Alli Folashade Temitope