The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Muhammad Bello-Koko, has solicited the support of the Acting Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, to decongest the Lagos ports and enhance trade facilitation in the nation’s seaports.
He also canvassed the NCS’ collaboration in its current efforts to upgrade the facilities at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal.
Bello-Koko, who made the requests when he led the management team of NPA on a courtesy visit to the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs in Abuja, congratulated the Customs boss on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure.
He assured the Comptroller-General that once Lagos Ports were decongested, the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal facility will attract higher patronage.
The NPA’s boss also called for synergy among the various Customs units to enhance speedy passage of cleared consignments at the terminal.
“We thank you so much for supporting the Committee that was set up. Members of this Committee have gone round the country.”
Bello-Koko expressed worries over the congestion at the port, which had made it difficult for the NPA to optimize the efficiency of the ports’ operations.
Earlier in his remarks, the Customs Comptroller-General promised the Service’s commitment to enhancing trade facilitation in the nation’s seaports and decongesting the Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports.
According to him, the Service is ready to enhance the output of designated export processing terminals in the country.
He clarified: “We need to form a joint team that will engage other government agencies to fine-tune the activities of exporting goods through the installation of trackers to avoid delays in the diversion of goods.
“I want to assure you that the management team of the Nigeria Customs Service will work with you,’’ Adeniyi added.
