Executive order: NPA reverses self on agencies allowed at ports, includes NDLEA

By Aziken Jennifer Nkonye

Harboursandports.com: LagosThe Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has reverted its earlier order on the agencies of government that are statutorily allowed to operate within the ports in Nigeria by including Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

A statement in Lagos by the Head of Public Affairs of the NPA, Ibrahim Nasiru, said a 2011 Presidential Directive through the Federal Ministry of Transportation listed eight agencies as approved to be at the port.

The statement reads in part that, “The directive communicated to the Managing Director of the NPA in a 26th October, 2011 memo from the Federal Ministry of Transportation, listed the eight approved agencies as: 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) and Port Health.”

It, however, stated that the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) would have to work according to a method that would have it inspect only relevant cargoes.

“It also stated that while the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should remain at the ports, a methodology which would ensure that only relevant cargoes are inspected by the agency, should be worked out,” the statement clarified.

The NPA, however, directed that agencies not mentioned in the list above should remain outside the port premises while it develops standard procedures to facilitate their seamless operation.

The NPA restated its 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, Prof Yemi Osinbajo as well as the improvement of conditions under which business is carried out in all ports across the country.

It solicited 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.