Protest: Apapa Port will Continue Normal Operations - Comptroller Olomu
Kathy Kyari
Comptroller Babatunde Olomu, the Apapa Port Command's Customs Area Controller (CAC), has assured port users that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will continue to operate as usual despite concerns about an upcoming nationwide protest.
Comptroller Olomu stated this while addressing stakeholders in a meeting on Tuesday in Apapa.
He said “it has become expedient to rebuild confidence in importers, exporters, licensed 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”.
According to him, customs officers attached to the command at the port and all terminals under his watch shall be available to discharge their usual functions and support in facilitating all legitimate trade within their purview.
Additionally, the Customs Public Relations Officer and other help desks are available to answer questions and provide additional information.
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 8am 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, 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 sensitized 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 cargoes under their control, for days they couldn't effect services for clearance
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