By Godwin Oritse
NATIONAL President of the National Council Managing Directors Licensed Customs Agents Mr. Lucky Amiwero has hailed  the recent sack of some security agencies from the ports saying that “it is in line with port Act “.

In a statement , Amiwero noted that the decision to sack the agencies will not only transform operations at the ports, it will also attract Nigerian bound cargoes that hitherto find their to ports of neighbouring  countries.

He stated that the sacked agencies before now had contributed to the lengthy and lengthy and cumbersome procedure and high cost in the clearance of goods from the port.

“The removal of security agents is in line with the port (related offences, etc admendment act 61 of 1999, which clearly spelt out agencies that are suppose to be in the port and the procedure for invitation of regulatory agencies as stated in the following sections: –

“Section (1A) of the Act states, without prejudice to the provisions of subsection (1) of this section considers it appropriate, by written notification, require the presence of any other relevant agency of the federal government in the course of the administration of the Customs and excise Laws with respect to the importation or exportation of goods in the port

“Section (1B) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (1A) of this section and unless otherwise requested by written notification by the Nigeria Customs Service, it shall be unlawful for any person, not being an authorized officer or agent of Nigeria service, appointed inspection A gents or any other person Agent to be concerned with or be involved with the actual process of examination of and clearance of goods in any Port.

“ It is very clear that the Minister is not only complying with the Act but has taken a decision that will transform the port and attract our cargo that has been syphone by our neibourigne countries, due to lengthy and cumbersome procedure and high cost in the clearance of goods from the port” he added

The seasoned freight forwarder also commended the Minister for appointing the Nigerian Ports Authority as regulator adding that the move will sanitize the system.