NPA insists SON, NAFDAC, others banned from ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Tuesday reiterated that only eight Federal Government agencies, namely the 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 inside the ports.

According to a statement signed on Tuesday by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications of the NPA, Abdullahi Goje, “The Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority to ensure strict compliance to the 26th of October, 2011 Presidential directive on agencies permitted to operate in the port locations.

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“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.”