NPA suspends demurrage at seaports

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has directed all terminal operators to suspend all applicable terminal storage fees on consignments (demurrage) for an initial period of 21 days effective March 23, 2020.

NPA, in a statement by the General Manager, Corporate and Strategic Communications, Jatto Adams, said the gesture was in recognition of the pressure that COVID-19 pandemic imposed on businesses and the responsibility imposed on the Authority to relieve this burden on its customers as well as attaining the objective of the Federal Government’s ease of doing business policy at this trying period.

He noted that the Authority recognised the financial implications of these policies on the terminal operators and would consider a shift in its operational charges to ameliorate the situation of stakeholders.

Adams disclosed that NPA, as majority shareholders alongside other shareholders of the Agura Hotels, Abuja, have agreed to donate the 130-bed fully furnished hotel as isolation centre for COVID-19.           

He said the donation was part of their social responsibility initiative aimed at supporting efforts of the Federal Government to contain the spread of the virus.

According to him, the Authority encouraged all Nigerians to follow all advisories issued by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and be confident that the country shall overcome the pandemic.