The National President , Association of Nigeria Licenced Customs Agents (ANLCA) ,Mr. Iju Tony Nwabunike on Sunday , reaffirmed the group’s commitment to engage the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) over modalities of freight forwarders and customs brokers port operations during the two weeks lockdown period directive by President Muhammadu Bihari.
Nwabunike in a statement issued to members, a copy made available to newsmen in Lagos, said he hopes to get the full guidelines to keep his members abreast with concerns of their responsibilities during the period.
While reacting on the nationwide broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari He wrote “In line with the latest directive of the President of the Federal of Nigeria, H.E. Mohammed Buhari, GCFR, in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, directing the seaports to remain operational in order to continue to handle essential cargo, even during the 14-day lockdown order in Lagos, commencing at 11pm on Monday, March 30, 2020.
“We want to assure you that I am currently in consultation with Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) top management to receive the approved operational guidelines for this lockdown period.
” I expect to receive the full guidelines by tomorrow being Monday, 30th of March, 2020.
As we wait for further clarification, I want to use this medium to inform our members that key executives of the association, including myself, will be available to handle any matters that may require the attention of the association either through Phone calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages. You can reach me on 08030616133 for immediate response.
“Ensure to adhere to all instructions as issued by relevant authorities at this time. Please be safe”
Specifically, under item 42 of his address to the nation, President Buhari said:
“All seaports in Lagos shall remain operational in accordance with the guidelines I issued earlier.
“Vehicles and drivers conveying essential cargoes from these Ports to other parts of the country will be screened thoroughly before departure by the Ports Health Authority”,he said.
It would be recalled that the association has earlier written a letter to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on the activation of “Force Majeure” in line with international best practices inevitable.
The open letter written to the Vice President reads ” We are the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) established by Act of Parliament vide Illiteracy Act of 1954. We are the umbrella body of Customs Brokers and maritime practitioners in Nigeria reputed as Africa’s largest and finest professional maritime/freight forwarding association.
“We are happy with measures already taken by the Federal Government of Nigeria to fight the Coronavirus (Covid19) scourge in a bid to stop the spread of the virus in Nigeria.
“We at ANLCA are in full support and we have since last week shutdown our National Secretariat and advise our numerous members across the Country to practice the Self Distancing and stay at home order as issued by the Federal Government in its efforts to help contain the spread of the virus which may be occasioned by moving from offices to ports and to various homes.
“However, due to fear of losing money and investments through demurrage and other charges as may be effected by the shipping companies and terminal operators operating in the ports, hence our fears highgtened.
“Your Excellency sir, there is no gain saying that before the Covid 19 pandemic subsides for normal businesses in the seaports, airports and border stations to take it full swing, imported and exported items might have been trapped in the various gateways to the nation. As such demurrages and rent payable to Shipping Companies, Concessionaires/Terminal Operators will have attend an unbearable proportion due to the lock down.
” As you already know sir, it is difficult, if not totally impossible to process customs documentation and take delivery of cargoes in our ports during this period. Even when attempts is made, it becomes difficult because state governments have closed interstate borders, markets are locked and movement of certain vehicles restricted.
“We now have a situation and irresistible circumstances that make the plea and activation of “Force Majeure” in line with international best practices inevitable.
“We hereby call for the enforcement of “Force Majeure” and total lockdown of our seaports as already done in the airports and border stations to curb the spread of the deadly Coronavirus and to protect the Nigerian workforce operating in our ports.
“We also appeal to the Federal government to prevail on shipping companies, terminal operators and other agencies in the ports to be prepared to waive all charges, taxes and fees during this period of national compromise at all levels.
“Consequently we seek for all demurrage, rents, penalties etc emanating from inability to clear cargoes as at when due from the ports at this period to be waived effective from the first week of March, 2020 when the first case of the deadly virus was detected in Nigeria through an Italian citizen.
“Your Excellency sir, we are appealing that you use your good office to ensure that this is implemented Immediately.
Sir, please note that we are dealing with concessionaires, shipping companies and others who are mainly foreigners, hence the need for government intervention and enforcement has become necessary.
“This open letter has become necessary in order to create a conflict free and friendly business operating environment, even after this national pandemic is over.
“We also want to use this medium to assure the Federal Government of Nigeria that ANLCA and all its members across the country wil support the government and all its agencies in the ports to make sure government achieve its objectives in making sure activities in the ports return to normal, especially in collecting revenue to the government.
