By Victoria Hanson
LAGOS – The National Association Of Government Approved Freight Forwarders ( NAGAFF) has called for proper Customs examination of goods. The Founder of the Association, Dr Boniface Aniebonam made the call during a working visit to the Comptroller of the Federal Operations Unit ( FOU) Zone A Ikeja, Mohammed Garba.
Aniebonam outlined various issues affecting traders which must be looked into by the government to include the law of give and take which he said is no more working in the country, illegal seizures, misinterpretation of executive order as well as excesses and operation of bonded terminals.
He therefore, implored the comptroller of the unit to move into the ports so as to communicate with his officers to steer up properly, and seize the opportunity to call for change to be in line with the ease of doing business.
Also speaking on behalf of the National Executive Council ( NEC) of NAGAFF, The National President, FWDR. Increase Uche sued for justice by the Unit and the leadership of (General Comptroller of Customs ) Mohammed Ali (RTD) by ensuring that circular No. 10/2017 of 25th July 2017 is fully implemented and adhered to in practice.
While expressing disatisfaction over the level of damage being done to their clients’ investments due to improper Customs examination of laden containers, Uche pleaded that traded goods should not be unduly seized over the infractions which he said could be corrected by additional assessment for duty and penalty.
The president also stressed the need to create awareness of the statutory functions of the service.
” When people are educated and well informed, it reduces avoidable conflicts and misunderstanding. The need to build responsible partnership is now to ensure the success of the policy of Ease Of Doing Business” he added.
On the purpose of their visit, he expressed that it was to further strengthen the existing mutual relationship between them and the Unit and to appreciate the strategic role of the service in their operations especially in revenue and International trade related matters.
According to him ” Upon the issuance of circular No. 10/ 2017 on removal of all illegal check points across the country which emerged through a letter dated 25th July, 2017 signed by the Ag. DCG ( E,1&1), Alh. Dangaladima A. for the Comptroller General of Customs, NAGAFF after a critical analysis of the Executive order from PEBEC under the presidency mooted the idea of reaching out to critical agencies of the government with the view to cross fertilize ideas on ways to ensure that the policy record huge success”.
Responding, the Comptroller of the Unit, Controller Mohammed Garba said that Customs examination and bonded terminals would be properly addressed.
While appealing to them to encourage their members to always make declaration of goods as possible, Garba disclosed that any officer found in illegal operation would be sanctioned.
NAGAFF is most organized and knowledgeable association. I am delighted to receive you so that we can partner and also rub minds to ensure we achieve same goals.
”I have limited power but I will help in carrying the message across for the success of the country. The important of this association can not be over emphasized. We have perceived the evidence of change.
The Ease of Doing Business was introduced by the government, we are not policy makers but we implement government policies.
I assure you that government policies will be properly implemented.
Checkpoint is a patrol space which should not last for 24 hours, therefore any Customs Officer who operates in a particular check point for 24 hours should be reported to the authority. I will also ensure that ports will be sanitized”‘. he assured.
The comptroller was also inducted into the association for his doggedness in fighting to sanitize the ports.
