Executive Order: NIMASA commences 24-hour issuing of debit notes to reduce ship dwell time

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Sunday said it had commenced 24-hour turnaround time for analysing cargo manifests and issuing Debit Notes to shipping agents in line with the presidential directive on the 24-hour port operations in Lagos ports.
A statement signed by Isichei Osamgbi, head, corporate communications of NIMASA, said the agency had extended work hours of some staff in the Shipping Development Department to achieve this, and that NIMASA would henceforth open its offices on weekends to accommodate shipping agents willing to do business.
Shipping agents can therefore access the agency at these times with their manifests for necessary action after which a Debit Note will be issued to them not later than 24 hours after submission.
The statement said the changes would impact on the overall performance of ports operations by reducing the dwell time of vessels calling the Lagos ports, while increasing efficiency of the entire system.
Dakuku Peterside, director-general of NIMASA, said the long dwell time of vessels calling Lagos ports was stifling trade instead of facilitating it.
“The Executive Order signed by the acting President for resumption of 24 hour port operations is aimed at improving efficiency and facilitating trade in Lagos ports. As a responsible agency, we are committed to implementing this directive and if it means extending work hours or even instituting a shift system, we will,” Peterside said.
According to Peterside, the new approach to analysing manifests and issuing Debit Notes will be constantly monitored and evaluated to ensure its effectiveness while automation of the entire process is receiving priority attention.
“Already, dwell time of vessels at the ports which were previously attributed to delays in issuing Debit Notes and Sailing Clearance has reduced considerably.
“The Agency is also expediting action on automating its processes to allow for electronic submission of manifests, issuing of debit Notes and Sailing Clearances which will further reduce human interaction, improve efficiency and block revenue leakages,” he said.
Recalled that the acting President Yemi Osinbajo had in May this year signed three Executive Orders as part of the Federal Government initiative under the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council to ensure ease of doing business in the country, one of which was the resumption of 24-hour port operations in Lagos Port.

AMAKA ANAGOR-EWUZIE