To Ensure Safety Measures Are Adhered to during operations

A Sister in the mix!
MD, Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala Usman is flanked on the left by Mr. Hassan Bello of the Nigeria Shippers’ Council and Dr. Bashir Jamoh of NIMASA.

Even as sea port operations continues globally amidst the covid19 pandemic, regulatory agencies in Nigeria’s maritime industry have extended waivers and exemptions to importers and shippers to reduce operational costs and lessen their burdens at this very trying time.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has been engaging as  Nigeria’s Ports Economic regulator has been meeting with relevant stakeholders in the industry toensure that safety and health guidleines are strictly adhered to prevent the spread of COVID-19 within and outside the ports.

In a statement sent to Maritime Nigeria and signed by the Council, the regulator stated that in furtherance of its efforts and regulatory functions, the Council has assigned its officers to the various shipping companies and terminals to assist in ensuring that all safety and health regulations issued by the authorities are strictly adhered to during these times.

The Council said it cannot overemphasise the importance of all port users, particularly freightforwarders, conducting themselves responsibly and adhering to health guidelines as they go about their very essential business in the ports.

Recall that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha, had during the daily COVID-19 briefings referred to his conversation with the ES/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, that some banks have agreed to open for business in the Apapa axis for a limited number of hours in order to facilitate port operations.

The SGF explained that at the onset of the lockdown, banking halls were marked as potential risk zones.

A review of that thinking became necessary when it emerged that banks had to open for people to pay customs duties/charges.

The Council therefore urge the shipping community to take advantage, make payments and move their cargo from the ports without delays.