NPA makes U-turn, clears NDLEA to operate at seaport 

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that the 2011 Presidential Directive to reduce agencies operating at the ports includes the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This is contrary to an earlier position taken by NPA Managing Director, Hadiza Bala Usman, which excluded the NDLEA from agencies mandated to operate at the ports. 

A statement by the Principal Manager, Public Affairs of NPA, Ibrahim Nasir, on Tuesday in Lagos, listed eight government agencies as those allowed to be at the ports. They agencies, according to Nasir, include Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Police, Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Port Health Services. 

Nasiru also stated that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had been approved to operate at the ports.

He said that the directive was communicated to the Managing Director of the NPA through a memo by the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

He added that the memo indicated that a methodology which would ensure that only relevant cargoes were inspected by the NDLEA would be worked out.

He said other agencies not mentioned in the list would remain outside the port premises as the authority would develop standard procedures to facilitate their seamless operations.

“The NPA remains committed to the determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to ease of doing business in the country.

“It also remains committed to the implementation of the Executive Orders recently issued by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo,  as well as the improvement of conditions under which business is carried out in all ports across the country.

“We solicit for the kind support of all agencies and stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector toward actualising the noble goal of making Nigeria a destination of choice for all legitimate businesses,’’ Nasir added.