Against the backdrop that some agencies sacked from the nation’s seaports have started lobbying for their return, the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reiterated that it is only seven agencies that are approved to be at the ports.
The seven agencies permitted to operate within the ports include the NPA, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Ports Health, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Department of State Security (DSS). While the others not on the list are expected to vacate the ports.
According a statement signed by Ibahim Nasiru, principal manager, public affairs of NPA, the authority said it would also enforce the Presidential Executive Order concerning the 24-hour operations.
“We wish to categorically state that the Federal Government had earlier in 2011 streamlined the operations of the agencies at the ports with the view to ensuring swift customer service delivery in the area of efficient clearance of cargoes,” the statement said.
The statement further read, “The Management of the NPA wishes to unequivocally state that any other agency that has not been listed as in the above in line with this Presidential Order should henceforth vacate and stop operating from the premises of the nation’s seaports.”
NPA however added that the affected agencies could visit the ports when required and would be notified accordingly. The NPA therefore solicited for strict compliance from all agencies and stakeholders concerning this directive.
Furthermore, the management of the NPA herewith assures the entire port community of its continued strive to ensure greater operational efficiency at the ports.
Recall that two days after the NPA re-introduced the Federal Government directive that streamlined the number of government agencies at the ports the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) claimed it had the mandate of the Federal Government to operate at the ports.
NDELA in a statement signed by Ofoyeju Mitchell, head, public affairs said the Federal Government through the NPA MD said eight agencies were to operate at the seaports.
AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE
