NPA collaborates with the UK Border Force on port security and trade facilitation

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has announced that it will collaborate with the United Kingdom Border Force on port security and the facilitation of legitimate movement of people and goods at all of the country’s seaports.

Security measures, coordination, information sharing, and joint operations will be covered by the partnership, according to the Authority, in order to check persons or activities that may harm operations and investments in the nation’s port industry.

It aims to protect shipping and cargo traffic, improve intelligence gathering, and increase maritime trade revenue.

Mohammed Bello-Koko, PA’s acting Managing Director, described the partnership with the UK Border Force as a strategic relationship with long-term economic benefits for both Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

The acting MD, who was represented by Hon. Onari Brown, Executive Director, Marine and Operations, praised the UK Agency for its efforts to protect Britain’s economic and national interests.

He expressed faith in the partnership’s ability to improve efficiency and value for money in all aspects of Nigerian port operations.

The UK government has charged the Border Force with managing immigration and customs checks at all British seaports and airports.

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The collaboration with the NPA entails the creation of an Electronic Cargo Targeting System (ECTS), a Joint Port Control Unit (JPU), and a Mobile Task Force (MTF) with the capability of enhancing the work of Nigerian law enforcement agencies operating in the maritime domain by providing real-time data and business arterial intelligence tools.

Furthermore, the partnership would promote critical and long-term capacity building and manpower development, as well as the acquisition, deployment, and use of resources sensitive to maritime security threats and issues.

While praising the Authority for providing a safe environment for port services in the country, UK Border Force Regional Operations Manager for West Africa, Kris Hawksfield, expressed optimism that the partnership would improve Nigeria’s border management capabilities, including strengthening the capacity of border law enforcement agencies to protect revenue and disrupt criminal activities.

Other advantages, according to him, include a decrease in the incidences of illicit trade in and out of the country, better compliance with trade laws, and improved performance of Nigerian ports, as well as a boost in the country’s global reputation.