All government agencies still foot-dragging after being ordered by a recent presidential directive to quit the nation’s ports and related border points, over the weekend, got final marching orders to comply within seven days.
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The Minister of Transport, Senator Idris Umar, has already issued directives to the Nigerian Ports Authority to enforce the measure.
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Furthermore, final, formal notifications from the presidency will be issued immediately to the affected agencies stressing they can no longer function within the ports unless expressly invited to carry out specific functions.
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According to a press statement signed by Paul C Nwabuikwu, Senior Special Assistant to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, obtained by LEADERSHIP at the weekend, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who chairs the Federal Government Working Committee on Port Reforms, clarified that “President Goodluck Jonathan approved the reduction of agencies operating at the nation’s ports to send a clear signal that the federal government is determined to implement the port reforms and improve Nigeria’s status as a business destination.”
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Stressing that the affected agencies had no choice but to comply, Okonjo-Iweala added that a committee of eminent persons from the private sector will soon be inaugurated to monitor the implementation of the new measures in the ports.
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“We are aware that some of the affected agencies are yet to leave the ports. But they have no choice because it is a presidential directive. An independent committee of eminent persons from the private sector will soon be inaugurated to monitor the implementation of the new measures in the ports. The committee will complement government’s efforts to enhance the efficiency of the ports,” she stated.
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