FG Instructs Banks to Work at Full Capacity,  Exempts Port Users from Lockdown 

There are indications that the Federal Government has directed all commercial banks to work at full scale in order to ensure collection of appropriate Customs duties at the port.

This is even as the government has identified freight forwarders and importers as part of the essential services that would not be affected by the fourteen days total lockdown in Lagos.

National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Tony Iju Nwabunike in a statement released yesterday confirmed that Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr. Boss Mustapha  has instructed that all customs brokers, freight forwarders and port users are exempted from the lockdown.

“Consequently, he has instructed all the security agencies operating in and out of the ports, particularly the Lagos State Police Commissioner, not to arrest or prevent any customs broker/freight forwarder going forward, as we are also designated as providing essential services.”

“You are however required to ensure you always have your port pass and your company ID on you for proper identification”

“I am also pleased to inform you that the Federal Government has instructed all banks to operate at full capacity”

“You can now pay your duty starting from tomorrow  or the day after ,without hitches. I want to use this opportunity to thank the SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha and Barrister Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council for their professional and prompt handling of these challenges”

“I also want to thank the CRFFN  Registrar  and his council members for the sensitization visits to all Lagos ports today”

“ANLCA is indeed very grateful to the FGN for their prompt response”

“Be reminded that COVID 19 is real and we must adhere to all directives from the authorities, including social distancing. to stop the spread of the disease. I implore you to stay away from the ports  if you don’t have any business at this time. Stay safe” Nwabunike charged his members