By Uzor Odigbo
Commercial banks in Lagos which closure has affected port operations in Lagos are to open tomorrow following an intervention by Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha.
This was disclosed by Tony Nwabunike, the national presdent of Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA), who disclosed this to his members in a public statement.
He said that Mustapha’s intervention also achieved unrestricted movements to ports for his members.
Nwabunike also reminded them that only persons who have businesses to conduct at the ports should visit the area this period while urging them to abide by all Covid19 prevention measures
“In line with my earlier committment 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.
“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 “Be reminded that COVID 19 is real and we must adhere to all directives from the authorities, including social distancing. to stop the spread of the disease. I implore you to stay away from the ports if you don’t have any business at this time. Stay safe,” Nwabunike wrote.
