As speculations on possible return of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to the Nigerian seaports thicken, the management of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), weekend restated and revalidated the list of Government Agencies Domiciled at Port Locations.
Late last week, a government official, without recourse to NPA, announced that SON is set to return to the ports even as some maritime stakeholders’ group continues to lobby for SON’s return to the ports.
But it would be recalled that the federal government had considered ease of doing business at the ports to bundle out some federal agencies seen as causing undue delays in the processing a dn clearance of imported goods.
In a statement, NPA said “As part of efforts to improve efficiency in port operations, the Vice President and chairman of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority to ensure that only eight federal government agencies are allowed to operate and have physical representation at all port locations in the country”.
According to the directive, agencies allowed representation at the ports are:
Nigerian Customs Service (NCS);
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA);
Nigeria Police Force;
National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control(NAFDAC);
Department of State Security (DSS);
Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA);
Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and
Port Health.
NPA noted further that agencies not mentioned in the list above should, according to the directive, vacate the ports premises and carry out their regulatory functions from outside the port locations.
“The NPA remains committed to the determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to enhance ease of doing business and improve conditions under which business is carried out in all ports locations across the country.
The statement signed by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Abdullahi Goje, averred that “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 the preferred hub for West and Central Africa”.
