By Nse Anthony-Uko
(Sundiata Post) — Determined to ensure strict compliance to the October 26, 2011 presidential directive on the number of agencies permitted to operate at the ports, as directed by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has again released the list of agencies authorized to function at the ports.
According to a statement issued on Monday, the NPA reiterated that only eight Federal Government agencies are allowed to operate and have physical representation at all port locations in the country.
The statement, signed by Abdullahi Goje, general manager, corporate and strategic communications, listed as 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).
Goje said agencies not mentioned in the list above should remain outside the port premises, as the NCS, which is the lead agency for inspection of cargoes, had developed standard operating procedures (SOP) to facilitate their seamless operations, especially during examination of cargo as it concerned an agency.
According to Goje, the NPA remains committed to the determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to enhance the ease of doing business in the country and improve conditions under which business is carried out in all ports across the country.
He however solicited for the 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.
