Customs to streamline cargo examination at seaports

Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi, says the service will streamline the number of its units conducting cargo examination at seaports. Abdullahi disclosed this in Lagos at the opening of one-day Consultative Forum of the NCS and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

The comptroller-general, who was represented by Mrs Mulikat Adegoke, Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs in charge of Tariffs and Trade, said that the service was determined to eliminate delays in cargo clearance.

The comptroller-general, had last week, directed that only resident officers from the Customs Intelligence Units (CIU) should partake in cargo examination. Abdullahi said that the service was looking at units that should be visible at the ports to ensure efficient movement of goods.

He said that the service was determined to reach an understanding with manufacturers on Negotiable Duty Credit Certificate (NDDC) and on excise and export procedures.

Abdullahi said that the forum was convened to consider issues of common interest between the service and the manufacturers, stressing that the Customs was delighted to partner with the manufacturers in this time of nation building.

The comptroller-general said the Fast Track Cargo Clearance scheme had not been cancelled, adding that the scheme would be acceptable to manufacturers once they understood the procedures.

The President of MAN, Chief Kola Jamodu, said that one of the significant achievements of MAN/Customs Forum was the institution of MAN Fast Track Clearing arrangement which worked effectively for some years.

“Unfortunately, this arrangement appears to have been discontinued. I appeal that the Nigeria Customs Service should reconsider and reintroduce the Fast Track Clearing because of its obvious advantages to members of  the association,” he said.

Jamodu suggested that there should be clear understanding between the NCS and MAN on ways to improve the contributions of non-oil exports to the nation’s foreign exchange revenue.