Operations would continue at all the nation’s seaports unhindered, despite movement restrictions in some states as part of the measures to check the rampaging COVID-19.
In fact, the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, announced that it has no intention of shutting the seaports, assuring that necessary arrangements are in place to ease operations.
It said in a statement by its General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communication, Mr Adams Jatto, that it was acting under the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari.
It added that arrangements had been made for operations at the ports to continue without hindrance.
The NPA said that safety procedures, which will guarantee the well-being and security of stakeholders and workers have been put in place.
It said: “The management of the Nigerian Ports Authority assures all stakeholders of its commitment to facilitation of trade in Nigeria.”
Advising all stakeholders to comply with the directive of port officials, it said: “All other government agencies responsible for smooth operations in the ports are enjoined to be at their respective duty posts to discharge their functions in line with the presidential directive of maintaining operational functions at the Lagos ports.”
A visit by a Punch reporter to the Apapa port confirmed that business went on as usual in many areas except the collection of Customs duty and few other port operations that were adversely affected by the closure of commercial banks.
While other banking transactions were being carried out online, it was not possible for importers and Customs brokers to process bank drafts for duty payment, it wa.
It was gathered that bank drafts could not be processed online and that container-laden trucks seen exiting the ports were those whose duties had been paid earlier.
Some freight forwarders who refused to be named said all the direct traders input centres from where some of them directly connected in their offices made entries were also closed.
Punch
