COVID-19: SGF Asks Banks to Operate in Full Capacity at Ports
*As ANLCA commends Boss Mustapha, Bello for interventions, professional commitment
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, Wednesday directed banks to operate in full capacity at the nation’s ports.
The directive followed complaints by customs that they cannot operate effectively in the ports with banks closed for business.
President of Association of Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Iju Tony Nwabubninke conveyed the SGF’s directive to the customs agents Wednesday.
Mustapha, according to the ANLCA President also instructed the Police to allow customs agents going to the ports free access.
In a message to the agents, Nwabunike said, “In line with my earlier commitment to provide feedback on the issues surrounding our daily operations at the ports during the lockdown, I am pleased to inform you that the Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) has instructed that all customs brokers, freight forwarders and port users are exempted from the lockdown. “Consequently, he has instructed all the security agencies operating in and out of the ports, particularly the Lagos State Police Commissioner, not to arrest or prevent any customs broker/freight forwarder going forward, as we are also designated as providing essential services.
“You are however required to ensure you always have your port pass and your company ID on you for proper identification.
In the unlikely event that you are wrongly arrested by the police , please call me on 08030616133 for immediate intervention and release.
“I am also pleased to inform you that the Federal Government has instructed all banks to operate at full capacity.
Nwabunike commended Mustapha and the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr Hassan Bello for their professional and prompt handling of the challenges being experienced in clearing goods at this period of COVID-19.
“You can now pay your duty starting from tomorrow or the day after ,without hitches. I want to use this opportunity to thank the SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha and Barrister Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council for their professional and prompt handling of these challenges.
“I also want to thank the CRFFN Registrar and his council members for the sensitization visits to all Lagos ports today.
“ANLCA is indeed very grateful to the FGN for their prompt response”.
Nwabunike also reminded the customs agents that COVID 19 was real, adding tht they should adhere to all directives from the authorities, including social distancing. to stop the spread of the disease.
The NSC had provided some buses in five locations in Lagos to enable clearing agents go to the ports to clear their goods.
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