By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised importers and exporters for the Eastern Ports and Bonded Terminals to adhere to rules and regulations guiding ports operations.
Mr John Okwori, Head, Ports Inspection Directorate (PID), NAFDAC, Enugu/Anambra Outstation gave the advice at one stakeholders meeting on Friday in Awka.
Okwori said the matter was brought to the fore following the recent handover of Onitsha Inland River Port to a new operator.
He explained that due to the development, NAFDAC hopes that business activities will soon pick up at Onitsha port.
“The Federal Government has made Onitsha a port of destination and departure and by this business activities will soon blossom in the port.
“All what is now needed is for importers and exporters to be knowledgeable, equipped and ready on the basic information on the usage of the ports to ensure seamless businesses,” he said.
Okwori said that the agency has automated its operations, noting that one does not require to visit NAFDAC office to obtain necessary documents for export or import of products.
Giving more insight into the concessioned Onitsha Inland River Port, he said that goods coming into the port no longer require to stop over at Onne or Lagos.
Okwori encouraged importers and exporters to show more interest in Onitsha Port and the Bonded Terminals in the area, assuring that the agency is willing to ensure smooth operations at the ports.
Mr Tenalo Princewill, an official of NAFDAC who delivered a paper on ‘Enhancement of Clearance Process at the Ports, Seaports Land Borders and Bonded Terminals’, said the agency’s automation was for transparent business transactions.
Princewill said that at physical inspection level, if violations are encountered, the timely release of container could be delayed.
He listed categories of violations to include: documentary level (false declaration), product packaging violations, labeling lapses, unapproved pictorial and importation with permit among others.
Mr Uzoma Ihembiri, another official of the agency who delivered a paper on Enrollment of Clearance Processes at the Ports advised importers and exporters against violation of the rules.
He told them to always use the federal government trade portal as every Process had been designed for users.
Mr Lambert Kalu, Area Manager of Nigeria Shippers Council, Onitsha said the council had beamed its searchlights on the activities of fraudulent persons who constitute problems to legitimate activities in the ports.
The meeting was attended by representatives of importers, exporters, clearing agents, Customs, terminal operators, Nigeria Shippers Council among others stakeholders.