Don’t loiter at seaports, freight forwarders told, as Nigeria Covid-19 cases double up
Samson Echenim is business a.m. correspondent providing coverage for maritime, aviation, travels and hospitality. A former business correspondent at the Punch and Leadership newspapers, he has a vast experience in business reporting. Samson can be reached on samhapp2000@yahoo.com and +2348037363024
Freight forwarders and licensed customs brokers have been told to stay away from the seaports, especially ports in Lagos, if they have no jobs.
Imports and exports activities continue at the ports as essential services after President Muhammadu Buhari announced locked down of the country’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos and neighboring Ogun State as well Federal Capital Territory, Abuja effective Monday night.
This is as Coronavirus cases in Nigeria begin to double up day on day. On Monday, the country recorded 111, from 97 on Sunday, showing 13.5 percent rise. The cases by over 100 percent day on day today (Tuesday) as the country records 135 cases, showing 26.6% rise from 111 yesterday.
The incidences show 100% rise day on day.
Two leading bodies of freight forwarders and clearing agents, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) have advised their members to stay away from the ports if they have no jobs at hand.
“We advise the entire freight forwarding practioners operating at the western ports of Nigeria to stay off the ports environment if they do not have a defined responsibility to carry out within the customs ports. This has become necessary for their safety and protection from the presidential directives ports,” said Aniebonam Boniface, founder of NAGAFF.
He advised members of the association who have jobs to get in touch with members of the executive council should they have any operational issue.
Also in a memo to members, Tony Nwabunike, national president of ANLCA said, “It is imperative to reiterate and advise, once again, that only customs brokers, freight forwarders and haulage operators who have jobs on the ground that should approach the ports this period of restriction.
“Any of these port operators visiting the ports should have their company identity cards and NPA port pass.
“I wish to also advise truck operators to adhere to the existing orderly call up system.
“Don’t forget to abide by all health advise as postulated by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) including washing of hands, usage of gloves, application of hand sanitisers and maintaining social distancing this period and beyond.”