Respite as Customs boss promises to restore scanning operations at ports
Owing to the importance of scanning to timely delivery of consignment to the importer’s warehouse, the newly appointed Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Hameed Ali, has promised the entire Nigerian port industry that Customs under his management, has resolved to tackle the problems limiting the full operations of scanning machines placed at the seaports and border stations.
Addressing newsmen during his maiden press briefing held in Lagos over the weekend, the Customs boss, who noted that the scanning machines at the ports (Apapa and Tin-Can Island ports) are currently in bad condition, disclosed that the current management of Customs is looking at a holistic approach towards restoring those machines to full operations.
“Scanners enhance our jobs and facilitate trade but unfortunately they are currently in bad condition. We are looking at a holistic approach to ensure they work. For those that are still functional, we will repair them while those that are completely bad would be replaced,” the Customs boss said.
Ali, who disclosed that Mr. President gave him the mandate to reform, restructure and increase Customs revenue profile, also said that Customs would continue to arrest illegally cleared containers on the highway.
According to him, Customs arrest containers based on intelligence information that such container was release without the importer paying appropriate duty. “We arrest containers on tip-off and we will continue to do that. If we arrest such container from either the port or the border station, we will trace it to the desk where the container was release and both the officer on duty will be duly dealt with for releasing such container.”
Explaining further, Ali who stated that change has come to the Service and will no longer be business as usual, also said that the law allows Customs to go after any suspected cargo including those stored in an importer’s warehouse.
On concession and waivers, he emphasised that the federal government has removed that waivers and concessions formerly granted to selected importers due to the abuse of their privileges, would only be granted on diplomatic cargoes as directed by the government.
In terms of partnership with other paramilitaries and organisations in the maritime sector, the CG said the Service will be meeting with all the paramilitaries to build good working relationship that would enable Customs deliver on its jobs. “We have an existing collaboration with the Nigerian Army and all we need is to strength the relationship to make our job easier.”
In a related development, Ali who also visited the management of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said the Service will strengthen the existing relationship between Customs and NIMASA. This is as Haruna Jauro, director general of NIMASA reiterated the agency’s commitment to collaborate with Customs to ensure seamless trade facilitation in Nigeria.
On the other hand, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Customs also resolved to work together to enhance revenue generation strategies of the federal government at the nation’s seaports by creating conducive working environment that will mutually benefit both agencies.
UZOAMAKA ANAGOR-Ewuzie