Agencies ordered out of Nigerian ports
Apapa in Lagos, Nigeria has been subject to congestion and other problems springing from multiple agencies. Photo: Scenar308 Flickr
Nigerian ports are making a move toward efficiency by finally kicking multiple government agencies off their premises.
Port industry stakeholders were told by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Finance and leader of the Economic Management Team that the various agencies were to leave port premises – a move, she said, that had the backing of President Goodluck Jonathan who is determined that Nigerian ports fall into line with normal worldwide operations.
Cargo flows have been held up in Lagos by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) and other eight federal agencies, reported All Africa News agency, although NAFDAC's operation might be less effective if removed from the port area.
Africa analyst Michael Ivenso told Port Strategy, "The expulsion of several government agencies from the port is the first of several long overdue actions." He added that the authorities must now develop both processes and technology to "enhance trade facilitation" around the ports.
Aside from Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the other government agencies allowed to operate in the ports are: Nigeria Customs Service, Nigerian Immigration Service, the State Security Service, Nigerian Police and Port Health. Further, customs has been directed to immediately disband and remove the special taskforces whose 100% inspection measures have blocked up port roads.
However, more work is needed. "Tariffs must be also be reviewed - downward - to compete in the emerging regional market," concluded Mr Ivenso.
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