‘Keep off!’ — NPA warns agencies not domiciled in ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has asked all agencies not domiciled in the ports to keep off.

It also directed agencies not allowed physical operations to stay away from all ports in the country.

The warning is as a result of a 2011 presidential directive which reduced the number of agencies allowed to operate in the ports.

In a statement by Abdullahi Goje, general manager, corporate and strategic communications, the eight agencies permitted to operate in the ports were listed as include NPA, Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and Nigeria Police Force.

Others are the Department of State Security (DSS), Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Port Health and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

“The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority to ensure strict compliance to the 26th October, 2011 presidential directive on agencies permitted to operate in the port locations,” the statement read.

“The NPA therefore hereby reiterates that only eight federal government agencies are allowed to operate and have physical representation at all port locations in the country.

“The agencies allowed representation at the ports are: Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Nigerian Customs Service (NCS); Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Nigeria Police; Department of State Security (DSS); Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Port Health and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should remain at the ports.

“Other agencies not mentioned in the list above should remain outside the port premises as the Nigerian Customs Service, which is the lead agency for inspection of cargoes, has developed standard operating procedures to facilitate their seamless operation.

“The NPA remains committed to the determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to enhance the ease of doing business in the country and the improvement of conditions under which business is carried out in all ports across the country.

“The Authority solicits for the kind support of all agencies and stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector towards actualising the noble goal of making Nigeria a destination of choice for all legitimate businesses.”