TheCable

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says it has commenced a 24-hour operation for analysing cargo manifests and issuing debit notes to shipping agents.

The development is in compliance with the presidential directive in Lagos ports – part of the executive orders signed by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo earlier in May.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Isichei Osamgbi, NIMASA head of corporate communications, offices of the agency would also be open on weekends “to accommodate shipping agents”.

“Shipping agents can, therefore, access the agency at these times with their manifests for further necessary action after which a debit note will be issued to them not later than 24 hours after submission,” the statement read.

Osamgbi said the 24-hour operation has impacted the overall performance of port operations and has increased the efficiency of the system.

The statement quoted Dakuku Peterside, director general of the agency, as saying the development would lessen the long dwell time of vessels calling Lagos ports, which he said was stifling trade.

Peterside also said there would be constant monitoring and evaluation of the new approach to analysing manifests and issuing debit notes to ensure its effectiveness.

He added that automation of the entire process is “receiving priority attention”.

“As a responsible agency, we are committed to implementing this directive and if it means extending work hours or even instituting a shift system, we will,” he said.