Ports to Remain Open for Clearance of Loaded Goods on Public Holidays
*Courtesy of Shippers Council – Customs collaboration, says ANLCA President
*Reminds customs agents of waiver on rent for 21 days
Goods which have been loaded will be cleared out of the ports during the public holidays, courtesy of the collaboration between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent, Iju Tony Nwabunike disclosed this in a statement Wednesday.
According to Nwabunike, the ports economic regulator has asked all customs brokers and freight forwarders who have finalised all payments of duties and ready to load their cargoes to do so as the Customs will allow exit of such cargoes from the ports during the Public Holidays from Friday 10th – Monday 13th of April 2020.
He also disclosed that the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has issued mandate letters to Terminal Operators for waiver of Rent Charges for initial period of 21 days , effective 23rd, March, 2020.
“The letter was dated 2nd April, 2020 and titled RELIEF MEASURES TO PORT USERS DUE TO OUTBREAK OF COVID19.
It reads in part ” Following the scourge of Covid19 pandemic and in line with the global trend of providing reliefs to businesses for the benefits of the general populace, you are hereby directed to suspend Rent Charges on Consignments with effect from Monday, 23rd March, 2020 for an initial period of 21 days”.
He urged customs brokers to take advantage of the two critical trade windows given
by the government agencies to clear their goods as fast as possible from the ports.
He added, “ I want to assure you all that the leadership of ANLCA will , especially at this period liaise with all relevant Government Agencies and other Port Stakeholders to make sure our members do not suffer undue losses in this trying time.
“I want to also appeal to all my colleagues to always follow the right channels of information so that they are not deprived or short changed by any agency during this period.
“ Finally I want to so far appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government and its agencies operating in the ports for their efforts in making sure businesses move smoothly in our ports during this period of lockdown”.
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