NPA Seals Three Illegal Jetties, Suspends Export Receipts At Lagos Ports

The Nigerian Ports Authority has sealed three illegal jetties in its bid to clamp down on unseaworthy barges following increasing reports of abuse of process in the operation of barges and private jetties.

A statement issued by the NPA on Monday said that the decision followed the establishment of an inter-agency committee comprising of representatives of the NPA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority and the Lagos State Inland Waterways Authority.

The statement signed by Assistant General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ibrahim Nasiru, said that the committee was spearheading the clearing of the waterways of lay-by barges and tugboats.

The committee solicited for the cooperation of stakeholders in ensuring that barge operations were executed according to laid down regulations.

It also expressed commitment to sustaining the current tempo of enforcement until operators totally comply with all laid down regulations.

Meanwhile, NPA also on Monday announced the suspension of export receipts at Lagos ports for two weeks.

NPA spokesman, Ibrahim Nasiru, said in a statement that the suspension was part of efforts to improve access to, and service delivery at Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports.

“The authority hereby announces a 14-day suspension of export receipts at both ports and all satellite truck parks, with effect from March 22.

“This development is necessitated by the need for consultations with export cargo stakeholders and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) on the harmonisation of procedures required of owners of this category of cargo.

“Stakeholders should please note that this suspension does not affect export refrigerated cargo and trucks whose operators have secured call-up tickets as of March 19.

“All other segments of port users are enjoined to continue carrying on their businesses by using the designated truck parks and booking for access into the ports on the Eto platform.

“The authority thanks all stakeholders for their support towards the success of Eto since its introduction three weeks ago and seeks continued support in the determination to end truck congestion on access roads into the ports and improve service delivery,” he said.