MARITIME POLICE MOVES TO EASE PORT CLEARANCE TENSIONS, ENGAGES NAGAFF, NPA

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Maritime Police Command, AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat, has engaged the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, and the Nigeria Ports Authority, NPA, over concerns surrounding police operations in the port cargo clearance process.
The engagement, held at the Headquarters of the Maritime Police Command in Lagos, was aimed at addressing concerns raised by freight forwarders, clarifying operational procedures and strengthening collaboration among security agencies and maritime stakeholders.

The NAGAFF delegation, led by Mr. Simon Nwonu and Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, welcomed the initiative, stressing the need for effective security measures that would not unnecessarily disrupt legitimate trade and cargo clearance activities.
Responding to the concerns, AIG Okunade said maritime security and trade facilitation must work hand in hand, noting that effective communication, intelligence sharing and inter-agency cooperation are essential to achieving both objectives.
The AIG assured stakeholders that credible intelligence requiring police intervention would be properly documented and investigated in line with established procedures, rather than resulting in indiscriminate stoppage of consignments.
She further stated that the Maritime Police Command would not interfere with containers that have been duly examined and cleared by the appropriate authorities and are in transit, except where credible intelligence or other lawful circumstances require police intervention.
The discussions were subsequently extended to the Nigeria Ports Authority, where relevant stakeholders further examined the issues and clarified their respective responsibilities within the port environment.
The stakeholders agreed on the need for sustained dialogue, improved communication, intelligence sharing and stronger inter-agency collaboration to maintain a secure, transparent and efficient maritime sector.

AIG Okunade reaffirmed the commitment of the Maritime Police Command to professional, intelligence-led and accountable policing, in line with the vision of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
She stressed that maritime security operations must be pursued in a manner that protects Nigeria’s economic interests while facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring a conducive environment for port operations.