COVID-19: FG Refuses Request by Customs Agents to Close Down Ports
Container depot
The federal government has said no to the request by the associations of customs agents and freight forwarders to close down the ports as part of the measures to check the ravaging coronavirus.
Both Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) had requested the federal government separately to shutdown the ports to save lives of the customs agents.
ANLCA President, Iju Tony Nwabunike had particularly requested that during the period of the lockdown of the ports, shipping companies and terminal operators should waive all demurrages.
But in a statement to members Monday, Nwabunike said that after consultations with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the ports remain open for business.
He said NPA has confirmed that operation and activities in the ports are among essential services in the country.
The statement from the ANLCA President reads: “Whereas, in my message to ANLCA members yesterday, I did state that I shall keep you abreast with the extent to which port operations under the Covid19 restrictions will affect us
“I also did state that further information shall be available to you upon ANLCA’S consultation with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
“The NPA has confirmed that our operation and activities is among essential services in Lagos ports.
“ As you are aware before now, Comptroller General of Customs has directed full customs personnel presence. Implication is that necessary formalities for processing and clearance of cargoes from customs ports are unhindered.
“It is imperative to reiterate and advise, once again, that only customs brokers, freight forwarders and haulage operators who have jobs on the ground that should approach the ports this period of restriction.
“Any of these port operators visiting the ports should have their company identity cards and NPA port pass.
“I wish to also advise truck operators to adhere to the existing orderly call up system.
“Don’t forget to abide by all health advise as postulated by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) including washing of hands, usage of gloves, application of hand sanitisers and maintaining social distancing this period and beyond.
Please be Safe and alive to work tomorrow.
Covid 19 is real”.
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