Reps task NPA on implementation of container security initiative

The House of Representatives has tasked the management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on the need to implement the container security initiative as part of ongoing port reforms.

The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbour, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji who gave the charge via a statement made available to Nigerian Tribune harped on the need for NPA to strive to attain compliance status.

He maintained that, by ensuring the compliance status, “that way our nation’s ports can compete favourably amongst the leading ports in the world in line with international Best practices.”

Hon. Nnaji observed that only two ports in the continent and 61 in the world have achieved the CSI status and emphasized that Nigeria as the giant of Africa must strive to attain the global requirement.

He cited Durban Port in South Africa and Alexandria Port in Egypt as the only ones that have attained the CSI status in Africa, stating that: “our ports are international gateways for goods and services, therefore an issue of security and efficiency must be taken seriously.

“We recognize the efforts of the NPA and other security agencies in ensuring that the port environment is secured.”

Nnaji stressed that the current security challenges confronting the country today require that security at the ports must be stepped up.

He urged NPA management to urgently implement the Container Security Initiative (CSI) compliance, as It would help boost the confidence of the nation’s port users.

The chairman also condemned the current system of physical inspection of goods by Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), saying that, “it’s definitely not sustainable and efficient. This manual process only contributes to the delays, huge demurrage and cargo congestion at our ports.

“It can equally undermine transparency in determining proper contents of containers and encourage revenue leakages for both the Nigerian Ports Authority and Nigerian Customs Service, due to false and under declaration.”

Nnaji further advocated for the acquisition and installation of adequate scanning facilities in the nation’s ports to promote efficiency, timely release of cargo and effective service deliveries.

The parliamentarian also noted that “the use of scanning machines for inspection of goods has become the global practice in modern ports so we can’t pretend we don’t know that it is the way to go. The manual examination must give way to scanning services.”

Nnaji consequently urged NPA to also commence the process of automating ports’ services, declaring that there was no reason why Nigerian ports should not have high-speed internet facilities for all regulatory agencies and port users for ease of doing business.