The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on Monday declared that only eight Federal Government agencies are allowed to henceforth operate and have physical representation at all port locations in the country.

It named the agencies, in addition to the NPA itself, as: Nigerian Customs Service (NCS); Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Nigeria Police; Department of State Security (DSS); Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Port Health and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) should remain at the ports.

The list was contained in a statement signed by Abdullahi Goje, General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications.

He said the decision was in compliance with a directive of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) to NPA to ensure strict compliance to the 26th October, 2011 presidential directive on agencies permitted to operate in the port locations.

“Other agencies not mentioned in the list above should remain outside the port premises as the Nigerian Customs Service, which is the lead agency for inspection of cargoes, has developed standard operating procedures to facilitate their seamless operation,” Goje said.

“The NPA remains committed to the determination of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to enhance the ease of doing business in the country and the improvement of conditions under which business is carried out in all ports across the country.

“The Authority solicits for the kind support of all agencies and stakeholders in the Nigerian maritime sector towards actualising the noble goal of making Nigeria a destination of choice for all legitimate businesses,” the statement added.