NDLEA not banned from ports, says NPA

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) says eight agencies, including the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)  are allowed to operate and have physical representation at the ports in the country.

In a statement by Ibrahim Nasiru, principal manager, public affairs at the authority, NPA said the directive communicated to the managing director of the agency in a memo from the ministry of transportation in 2011 instructed that: “a methodology which would ensure that only relevant cargoes are inspected by NDLEA, should be worked out”.

The statement listed the Nigerian customs service (NCS); Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Nigeria police; Department of State Security (DSS); Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and Port Health as the other agencies allowed at the port.

It explained that other agencies not mentioned in the list above should remain outside the port premises.

NPA said it would work out modalities to ensure the effective and seamless operation of these agencies.

While restating the NPA’s commitment to the determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to improve the ease of doing business in the country, the implementation of the executive orders recently issued by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo as well as the improvement of conditions under which business is carried out in all ports across the country, the statement solicited for the support of all agencies and stakeholders “towards actualising the noble goal of making Nigeria a destination of choice for all legitimate businesses”.