NPA To Enforce Usage Of Port Pass For Access Into Nigerian Ports By Q2 2017    

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that it would commence implementation of port passes as part of compulsory requirement to gain entry into Nigerian ports by second quarter of year 2017.
Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman gave the assurance last week when she visited the National Secretariat of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Festac town, Lagos
Shipping Position Daily recalls that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi had issued a directive in October 2016 that the NPA should enforce the use of port pass on anyone seeking entrance into the ports.
The NPA boss however said that the agency is still consulting on the best models that would be suitable for the issuance of the port pass.
She noted that at the moment, miscreants, food vendors and 'fake' freight forwarders have access to the ports than genuine port users who have legitimate businesses to transact at the port.
"We have been given a directive to issue biometric cards for access into our ports, we are looking at different models of implementing that, we should be able to have a clear frame work by second quarter 2017.
"But as it were, we need to have stronger compliance, as it is raised here, we have people wanting to do genuine business but not permitted into the ports while hangers on who have no business at the port roaming the ports, this is completely unacceptable"
"I have given a clear directive three months ago and I need to see clear implementation, the Executive Director Marine and Operations is here and I am issuing a directive immediately as regards to that" she said
At an interactive session with ANLCA members, the NPA boss gave the assurance against the backdrop of complaints and concerns raised by the Apapa Chapter Chairman, Olumide Fakanlu that it takes not less than six months for genuine agents to get their request for port passes processed by NPA.
"You have asked us to get port passes and we are complying, but several times I have been to the port gate and find NPA security men harassing our members who have not been able to process their port passes due to CRFFN issues then. I had to point out to them a beggar which I saw inside the port, and I ask; which port pass did he use?"
"There is no way our members would be harassed and you will see food sellers and beggars and others who have nothing to do inside the port just strolling inside the port premises, while genuine agents are being held by the Police and the NPA" Fakanlu  had said.