The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has given a 24-hour ultimatum to officials of Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as well as other unauthorised government agencies to vacate the seaports or risk being arrested.
The NPA in a statement issued by the Genral Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communictaions, Abdullahi Goje said the directive was in line with a new order issued to NPA by the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC). He disclosed that only eight agencies were allowed to be at the Port and listed them to include Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA); Nigerian Customs Service (NCS); Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Nigeria Police; Department of State Security (DSS); Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Port Health and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should remain at the ports.
He assured that NPA was committed to actualizing the vision of the president.
“The NPA remains committed to the determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to enhance the ease of doing business in the country and the improvement of conditions under which business is carried out in all ports across the country.
The NPA solicits for the kind support of all agencies and stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector towards actualizing the noble goal of making Nigeria a destination of choice for all legitimate businesses”
Dailytrust reports that PEBEC had directed NPA to ensure strict compliance to the October 26, 2011, presidential directive on agencies permitted to operate in the ports.
