ANLCA Thanks FG, Extol Media
Calls for Aid to Media, Urge Agent to Clear Cargo
Hon. Tony Iju-Nwabunike
National President, ANLCA
Following the 21 grace period given by the Federal Government and the resolve to keep the ports open over the Easter period, the National President of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Hon. Tony Iju Nwabunike, has charge importers to take advantage of the grace period and move their cargo out of the ports.
In a statement he personnaly signed, Hon. Nwabunike said “There is no gain saying that the Coronavirus pandemic occasioned by the total lockdown of activities in Lagos State have in no small way, affected our lives and businesses. But I urge you all not to despair as this is the price the whole world is paying now to keep both citizens and economies alive”.
He made a clarion call to all Nigerian Importer to work fast and exit their goods from the ports promptly. According to him “The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has asked all Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders who have finalised all payments of duties and ready to load their cargoes to do so as the Customs will allow exit of such cargoes from the ports during the Public Holidays from Friday 10th – Monday 13th of April 2020”.
The ANLCA Chief reminded clearing agent that “Following the scourge of Covid19 pandemic and in line with the global trend of providing reliefs to businesses for the benefits of the general populace, you are hereby directed to suspend Rent Charges on Consignments with effect from Monday, 23rd March, 2020 for an initial period of 21 days”.
The 21 days grace period and the Easter window, are huge opportunities to work with and benefit from, Hon. Nwabunike said.
“I want to implore all of you to effectively grab this opportunity and move your consignments from the ports of Lagos as fast as you can, while the window last”.
He appealed to ANCLA members and other agent to follow guidelines and avoid incuring loses at this trying time
While thanking all stakeholders for their support, Nwabunike said “I want to appreciate the efforts of the Federal Government and its agencies operating in the ports for their efforts in making sure businesses move smoothly in our ports during this period of lockdown”.
“I want to also appreciate the Maritime Media for their efforts in keeping all stakeholders informed of what is happening in the ports, despite the lockdown challenges. No doubt the media has been a dependable partner and I urge government agencies to also extend their hands of fellowship at this period to the media to aid them perform more creditably. The maritime media in Nigeria is very vibrant I must say”.
He promised to do everything possible to ensure agents get the best of services withing this trying time just as he task stakeholders to stay safe and stay alive.
