NPA boss solicits Customs CG’s assistance in decongesting Lagos ports, upgrading Ikorodu Lighter Terminal facilities

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Malam Muhammad Bello Koko, has solicited the support of the Acting

Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service, Mr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, in upgrading the facilities at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal of the ports authority.

He also requested the Customs boss’ assistance to decongest the Lagos ports and enhance trade facilitation in the nation’s seaports.

Bello Koko spoke when he led the management team of NPA on a courtesy visit to the Acting Comptroller-General of Customs in Abuja on Monday.

He congratulated the Customs boss on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure.

Bello-Koko assured the CGC that once Lagos Ports are decongested, the facilities will attract higher patronage.

He 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,’’ Persecondnews quotes the NPA boss as saying.

He expressed worries over the congestion at the port, which, he said, had made it difficult for the NPA to operate properly.

Earlier, the Customs CG, Adeniyi, had expressed commitment to enhancing trade facilitation in the nation’s seaports as well as decongesting the Lagos ports -Apapa and Tin-Can Island.

He said the Service was ready to enhance the output of designated export processing terminals in the country.

“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 said.