The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) have reiterated their resolve to work together to enhance revenue generation strategies of the Federal Government at the nation’s seaports by creating conducive working environment that will be of mutual benefit to both agencies.
This resolve was made Thursday in Lagos when the Customs Comptroller-General Hameed Ali visited NPA headquarters.
NPA Managing Director, Mallam Habib Abdullahi and his guest stressed the need for the two agencies to see themselves as “partners in progress”, working together to boost the national economy.
Abdullahi said NPA would continue to ensure a high level of operational efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery at the ports.
He said since the commencement of the present concession regime in 2006, activities have increased in the ports, stressing that with greater cooperation between NPA and NCS, turnaround time of vessels and cargo dwell time will be substantially reduced to lower the cost of doing business at the port “to the barest minimum”.
The NPA boss also said that there was need for the two agencies to collaborate to ensure proper security at the ports and especially the entrances, adding, “we think we should collaborate better in this area being the two foremost government agencies in the port”.
Abdullahi appealed to all officers and men of the NCS to support and ensure the success of the newly appointed Comptroller General.
Earlier, Ali had solicited the support and cooperation of NPA to ensure improved revenue collection at the port.
By Pita Ochai
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