Protest: Apapa port operations remain unhindered — Customs

Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, has assured port users operating in Apapa that activities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) would continue uninterrupted despite apprehensions about an impending nationwide protest

Addressing a meeting of stakeholders in Apapa on Tuesday, Comptroller Olomu said it has become expedient to rebuild confidence in importers, exporters, licenced customs agents, freight forwarders, haulage operators and other port users on the availability of Nigeria Customs Service officers in Apapa Port on all working days as usual

He stated that customs officers attached to the command at the port and all terminals under his watch shall be available to discharge their usual functions and provide support in facilitating all legitimate trade within their purview

The CAC further advised that the office of the Customs Public Relations Officer and other offices assigned to function as help desks shall be available to address inquiries and give further details where necessary.

For the avoidance of doubt, Comptroller Olomu reminded members of the Apapa Port Community, including sister government agencies, that customs officers shall be resuming work by 8 am on all weekdays and may work during weekends when necessary.

While thanking the compliant port users whom he described as partners in progress, the Area Controller reiterated the command’s resolve to continually ensure maximum collection of all government revenue without compromising the due diligence required for all import and export cargo examination

Also speaking at the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in charge of Western Ports, CP Lanre Ishola, thanked the Controller for convening the meeting and stated that the police will ensure the respect of citizens’ rights at all times

The Port Manager for Apapa Port, Mr. Charles Okaga, reminded all port users at the meeting that Apapa Port runs a 24-hour operation. Okaga added that other stakeholders in the cargo clearing process, like the shipping companies and terminal operators, will be sensitised by the Nigerian Ports Authority to dispense their services normally.

Okaga said the NPA will urge shipping companies and terminal operators not to impose demurrage on cargo under their control; for days, they couldn’t effect services for clearance.