Vincent Toritseju
03 October 2017, Sweetcrude, Lagos — THE Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, has issued a six weeks deadline for the registration and renewal of shipping companies’ licenses just as it increased registration fees by 100%, (from N100,000 to N200,000).
In a new list of requirements for the certification and licensing of operational services and facilities, the registration of shipping company/agent, service boat operator, clearing and forwarding agents, chandler bonded terminal operator and pilot exemption certificate will now attract a new fee of N200,000, while annual renewal of licenses will attract a fee of N100,000.
Confirming the development, the Acting General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications department of the authority, Mr. Ibrahim Nasiru disclosed that the measures were taken in line with the Executive Order on 24 hours port operations.
He also said that the authority was also trying to reduce streamline and reduce human traffic in and out of the port and encourage the ease of doing business in the maritime industry.
According to the new list of requirement, all registration and renewal of licenses are valid for the only year as every year attracts new fees.
Amongst other requirements, clearing agents, in particular, are required to present evidence of registration with the Council for the Regulation Freight Forwarding of Nigeria, CRFFN.
For bonded terminal operators, an insurance cover must be provided, the exemption certificate for pilotage services was not transferable.
Reacting to the development, Mr. Caleb Okoye, former Managing Director of Aero-maritime, said that what NPA has done was not out of place adding every operator and service provider was played by the rules.
“What NPA is doing is the right thing and it is nothing strange whoever operates in the port must do within certain regulations.” He added
