The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has advised importers and exporters operating in eastern ports and bonded terminals to arm themselves with basic information guiding operations.

John Okwori, head, ports inspection directorate (PID), NAFDAC, Enugu/Anambra outstation, gave the advice at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting held on Friday in Awka.

Okwori said reiterating the issue was important following the recent handover of Onitsha Inland River Port to a new operator.

He also called on importers and exporters to show more interest in the Onitsha Port and the bonded terminals in the area, adding that NAFDAC was hopeful that business activities would soon pick up at the port.

“The federal government has made Onitsha a port of destination and departure and by this, business activities will soon blossom at the port,” Okwori said.

“All that is now needed is for importers and exporters to be knowledgeable, be equipped, and be armed with the basic information on the usage of the ports to ensure seamless businesses.”

Okwori said the agency had automated its operations, noting that it would not be required to visit NAFDAC’s office to obtain necessary documents to export or import products.

He added that goods coming into the port would no longer be required to stop over at either Onne or Lagos ports.

Okwori also encouraged importers and exporters to show more interest in the Onitsha Port and the bonded terminals in the area, assuring them that the agency would ensure smooth operations at the ports.

Lambert Kalu, area manager, Nigeria Shippers Council (NSC), Onitsha, said the council had beamed its searchlight on the activities of alleged fraudulent persons who had constituted problems to legitimate activities at the ports.