In line with the Executive order issued by the Acting President, Prof.Yemi Osinbajo, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has commenced the implementation of the single interface examination of cargoes. Speaking at the flag off ceremony, over the weekend, the Managing Director, NPA, Hadiza Bala-Usman ordered the immediate implementation of the single interface examination point for cargoes at all ports across the country.
According to the Bala-Usman, with the take-off of this policy, all agencies of government that are required to operate and domicile in the ports would embark on their activities in the designated locations only. Adding that there would not be other form of examination outside of that of the single interface.
“Every agency will develop their back-end office operations to streamline what they require to support any historical structure they may have, but no agency should operate outside that interface at any of our port terminals.
“All agencies of government that are not domiciled in the ports but are required to provide services should liaise with the lead agency on the modalities to perform their operations when they are required.”
Reiterating the number of agencies permitted to operate within the ports, Bala-Usman said, “The NPA and the Customs and Excise, Nigerian Immigration Service, Department of State Services (DSS), Port Health, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Police, which were part of the presidential approval in 2011 are permitted to domicile within the ports. All other agencies must come in only when they are required.
Speaking further, the NPA boss expressed the gratitude of the management of the NPA to all government agencies and stakeholders who have collaborated with the NPA to ensure the implementation of Executive Order 22 ahead of the deadline.
She also assured that the doors of the Authority will be open to receive suggestions or complaints about challenges that are encountered in the implementation of this policy and asks for the continued support of all stakeholders toward repositioning Port operations in Nigeria.
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