By Uzor Odigbo
President of the Association of All Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Tony Iju Nwabunike, has enjioned all Customs Brokers, Freight Forwarders Haulage Operators and other stakeholders who have no goods to clear to stay away from the Lagos ports in compliance with the government’s restriction order.
He stated that the appeal became imperative following consultation with management of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), which confirmed that operations and activities of members are essential services in Lagos ports.
The ANLCA boss therefore implored all operators visiting the ports to have their company identity cards and NPA port pass on them.
In a statement made available to journalists on Monday, he advised truck operators to adhere to the existing orderly call up system.
Nwabunike also urged them 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.
The statement 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.
