Anxiety is rife among importers whose goods may be trapped at seaports in Lagos State, Nigeria, as the Federal Government, in a broadcast yesterday, announced lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, along with Lagos and Ogun states.
Customs brokers working for the importers have, therefore, called for a meeting with the Nigerian Ports Authority over the clearance of goods, which are largely essential, coming into the country.
The National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, Tony Nwabunike, said yesterday that he was consulting with NPA to receive approved operational guidelines for the lockdown period.
“In line with the latest directive of the President of the Federal of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, directing the seaports to remain operational to handle essential cargo, even during the 14-day lockdown order in Lagos commencing at 11p.m. on Monday, March 30, 2020.
“I am currently in consultation with NPA top management to receive the approved operational guidelines for this lockdown period. I expect to receive the full guidelines by tomorrow being Monday, March 30, 2020.
“As we wait for further clarification, I want to use this medium to inform our members that key executives of the association, including me, will be available to handle any matter that may require the attention of the association either through phone calls, Short Message Service or WhatsApp messages. You can reach me for immediate response,” he stated.
Admonishing his members to stay safe, the ANLCA president urged them to adhere to all instructions as issued by relevant authorities.
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