Oyetola Directs NPA, Terminal Operators To Support Clearance Of Stranded Power Containers
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and terminal operators to expedite the evacuation of hundreds of containers of electricity equipment stranded at Nigerian ports since 2007.
Oyetola gave the directive in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
The directive follows President Bola Tinubu’s order to clear the cargoes, whose release has been delayed by administrative and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
Oyetola directed the NPA and terminal operators to work with the Nigeria Customs Service and Federal Ministry of Power to ensure the immediate evacuation of the equipment.
He said, “Mr President’s directive is clear, and our responsibility is to ensure its effective implementation. NPA and terminal operators are to give this assignment the highest priority, work seamlessly with Customs and the Ministry of Power, and provide every necessary operational support to achieve the desired result.”
The minister also directed the port agencies to prioritise logistics, cargo positioning and handling arrangements to prevent further delays.
He said Nigerian ports must support economic growth and critical infrastructure development rather than become holding points for essential cargoes.
Oyetola reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to improving port efficiency and reducing cargo dwell time, urging stakeholders to sustain efforts towards the prompt clearance of the equipment.
