Maritime Police to partner people doing their business legitimately - AIG Olofu

By Abiodun OBA

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime Police Command, Lagos, AIG Olofu, Adetutu Rhoda has reiterated that the Command will partner with right thinking people doing their business legitimately.

AIG Olofu who made the stand known while receiving a delegation of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council led by Mr. Sarumi J. Adesina, Deputy Director Monitoring and Enforcement on behalf of the Secretary/ CEO in her office, Force Headquarters Annex, in Lagos reiterated her zero tolerance for illegality.

A statement by Maritime Police Command Ag. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP EHINMODE A. Rowland, contained that the AIG calls for sincerity among importers and port operators in the declaration of their cargoes as the command will not tolerate those who are bent on distorting the economy of the nation with their nefarious activities.

The visit Ehinmode disclosed, was to acquaint the NSC delegates with the AIG and also to inform her about the activities of the council as one of the agencies of government established to regulate the port economy.

The Council appreciated the Maritime Police Command for the seamless working relationship enjoyed and for assisting them in enforcing their mandates.

The AIG appreciated the Council for the unrivalled support the Command has received from them over the years and for effectively discharging their role as the Port Economic Regulator.

She assured that their pleas will be appropriately attended to, and the results will be visible at the shortest possible time.

The AIG stated further that efforts are ongoing to speed up the completion of investigations on backlog of containers placed on hold or lien by the command in order to decongest the ports.

She said, “the police stand for good. However, bearing in mind the unwholesome attitude and activities of some operators, the command will not fold it hands and allow the economy to crumble.

“We will live up to our responsibilities considering the stands of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on importation.

“We will always partner with right thinking people that are doing their business legitimately”.

“We will intensify efforts at sensitizing our men through capacity building that will help enhance our capacities at ensuring innovative solutions to our current challenges”, she concluded.

Earlier, the NSC had sought the assistance of the AIG in reducing the rate of human interference at the cargo clearing point, clearance of port corridors of unauthorized persons and miscreants meddling into business activities, intervention in reduction of cargo dwell time.

The delegation also sought Police partnership in capacity building and sensitization of ports operators in order to facilitate trade, make the ports user friendly and ease of doing business, streamline Police activities at the port as it relates to infractions, and more synergy among the security agencies among others.