Maritime Agencies
Collapse Factions, Come Under One Roof for Obvious Gains, CGC Adeniyi Charges Freight Forwarders, Maritime Journalists
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
For the umpteenth time, freight forwarding associations on one hand and various factions of the maritime press on the other have been charged to sink their differences and come under one formidable roof. This, the Comptroller- General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi says, is giving confusing signals to policy makers that should address issues concerning them.
Discordant tunes arising from lack of a united platform, CGC Adeniyi regrets, makes it difficult for policy makers to consult them on vital policies affecting their welfare.
Adeniyi expressed his concerns in Lagos, Thursday, during the Award and Dinner night organized by the maritime media to honour him for exemplary leadership as the helmsman of the Customs.
During the event which was attended by maritime journalists, top customs officers (retired and serving), freight forwarders and friends as well as well-wishers of the celebrant, Adeniyi said freight forwarding groups must come together and speak with one voice so that government can respect and find it easier to consult them on policies affecting the industry and their personal interests. Re-echoing the stand of Rotimi Amaechi, former Transportation Minister years back, Adeniyi equally said different factions in the maritime media must also collapse into one formidable body to stand to demand for rights and privileges that have eluded them for years.
” The story of customs agents is similar to that of maritime journalists in terms of proliferation of associations”.
” There are so many discordant tunes coming from the freight forwarders which do not help the policy makers.”
” The policy makers want to respect them by consulting them on matters of policies about their profession but the discordant tunes coming from them make it difficult for such consultations”
The CGC therefore pleaded with the confraternity of the freight forwarders to come together under one umbrella for them to present unified position to government on matters affecting their industry.
He therefore charged both Prince Shittu Olayiwola, the former National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA) and Alhaji Akeem Olanrewaju, the Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council( CCC) to spearhead the unification drive of the freight forwarding associations, given their vantage positions in the freight forwarding industry.
It could be recalled that there are more than five freight forwarding groups which are recognized by the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria(CRFFN), the government regulatory agency in the freight forwarding industry. These include ANLCA, NAGAFF, Council of Managing Directors, AREFF.
It could also be recalled that the freight forwarders often accused the government of not carrying them along in some of the policies affecting their profession.
Recently, the agitated customs brokers accused the Customs of not consulting them before the 4 per cent FOB charge was imposed on them, a protest which made the Customs to suspend the fee for enough consultation.
In the same vein, the CGC equally admonished the maritime media to collapse the multiple associations among them which he said has been impeding efforts to access opportunities for them in the maritime industry.
He believed that their unification will enable them to access welfare opportunities from stakeholders.
He noted that there are opportunities which the maritime journalists could
assess easily only if they come together under one umbrella.
Adeniyi disclosed that a unified maritime media should be thinking of how to improve their welfare, noting that most of them have paid their dues in the industry.
He advised them on how they could explore opportunities in providing life insurance package for themselves as well as housing mortgage so they could have decent accommodations for themselves.
The CGC promised to lead the crusade for better welfares for maritime journalists among other heads of government agencies only if they could come together as one body.
He believed that the unification task is possible as the maritime journalists have exemplified by coming together to honour him.
Six associations of maritime journalists came together to honour Adeniyi for his impactful leadership which they unanimously agreed was worth celebrating.
These groups of maritime journalists include the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), League of Maritime Editors (LOME), Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria (MAJAN), Shipping Correspondents Association of Nigeria (SCAN), Online Maritime Media Association of Nigeria (OMMAN) and Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP), as well as those who do not belong to any association.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The retired Customs Area Controller (CAC) of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Effiong Harrison has described the posting of his successor, Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie from the Kebbi Area Customs Command as a welcome development, praising his background and experience as assets the Command stands to gain from.
Retired Comptroller Effiong Harrison spoke in Lagos, Wednesday, September 10, while handing over the leadership of the MMIA Command to Comptroller Chidi Chukwumeziri Nwokorie, following his disengagement after 35 years of meritorious service.
In his valedictory remarks, Harrison expressed gratitude to officers and men of the command for their dedication and professionalism during his tenure.
“I want to express my appreciation to all of you from different units and to all of the services that we have rendered to the government and ourselves as members of the Nigeria Customs Service. In our time, we had no incident or trouble that warranted somebody being dismissed or interdicted. We leveraged on intelligence and worked in the best possible way, day and night”, he said.
“When I heard that the new Customs Area Controller (Nwokorie) is coming from Kebbi, I felt highly elated, that at least we have somebody who will have the national security consciousness at the back of his mind. I am confident that, from your experiences in other sectors and the service you have rendered to your country, you will be able to take us to the next level”, he noted.
He urged officers to extend their loyalty and support to the new Customs Area Controller to sustain the progress achieved at the command.
In his response, Comptroller Nwokorie thanked the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the MMIA Command.
“I want to thank the Almighty God for a special day like this. I also thank the CGC, Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for finding me worthy to come and represent him here. While sitting here, there’s no way I’ll know everything that’s happening. You, the officers on the field, are my eyes. I strongly believe that we will all work together in peace and harmony”, he stated.
The new Customs Area Controller assured officers he would adopt an open-door policy and inclusive leadership style. He pledged to work as a team player in driving the Command’s performance and contributions to national revenue, security and trade facilitation.
Maritime Agencies
LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE CUSTOMS: Comptroller Abubakar Decorates Promoted Officers, Stresses Hard Work, Dedication to Duty.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In furtherance of her commitment to hard work, dedication and promotion of the spirit of service which are special attributes that define operations in the Nigeria Customs Service, the Lekki Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) Command, Wednesday, decorated officers who benefitted from the recent staff promotions nationwide.
Speaking during the event, the LFTZ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller (Mrs) HKA Abubakar announced that a total of 29 officers and men were favoured in the promotions.
”I am pleased to inform you that a total of twenty-nine (29) officers and men of the Command have been promoted as follows:
Deputy Controller (DC) to Controller (CC) – 2, Assistant Controller (AC) to Deputy Controller (DC) – 6, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) to Assistant Controller (AC) – 5 and Superintendent of Customs (SC) to Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) – 7.”
”Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) to Superintendent of Customs (SC) – 2, Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) to Deputy Superintendent of Customs (DSC) – 2, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs I (ASC I) – 2, Inspector of Customs (IC) to Assistant Superintendent of Customs II (ASC II) – 2 and Assistant Inspector of Customs (AIC) to Inspector of Customs (IC) – 1″.
According to Comptroller Abubakar, promotion in the Service is not given lightly but earned through commitment, discipline and the consistent demonstration of capacity and integrity in the discharge of duty.
”For those we are decorating today,”she added, “this recognition is a testament to your perseverance, loyalty, and invaluable contributions to the growth and success of this Command and the Service at large.”
She reminded the celebrants and other officers that promotion to higher ranks come with greater responsibilities.
” Promotion is not only a reward but also a call to higher expectations. You are now positioned to serve as role models, to inspire your subordinates, and to raise the standard of professionalism, discipline and efficiency within our Command.”
”The Lagos Free Trade Zone Command has continued to play a strategic role in revenue generation, trade facilitation and enforcement of Customs laws. Our collective progress is made possible by the unwavering commitment of officers like those we honour today. It is my firm belief that this promotion will further energize you to contribute more diligently to our common objectives of improved revenue, compliance in Free Zones and the Port, as well as stronger stakeholder engagement.”
She enjoined officers not favoured in the promotion not to despair but to continue to demonstrate resilience and loyalty to duty.
”Be assured that your efforts are recognized, and in due time, your turn will surely come. The Service remains fair and just in rewarding hard work.”
Appreciating sister agencies who honoured the Command’s invitation to the decoration event, she said their attendance, solidarity and collaboration remain invaluable in the discharge of the Command’s collective responsibilities.
”Your support not only strengthens inter-agency synergy but also reinforces the spirit of partnership needed to enhance national security, trade facilitation and revenue generation. On behalf of the Command, we thank you sincerely for joining us on this special occasion and for your continued cooperation in service to our nation.”
For the newly decorated officers and their families, she stated that the promotion serves as a source of renewed strength, motivation, and commitment.
”I urge you all to continue to give your best, uphold the values of the Service, and justify the confidence reposed in you,” Comptroller Abubakar concluded.
Maritime Agencies
PTML CUSTOMS: Comptroller Joe Anani Takes Over from ACG Daniyan, Harps on Improved Compliance.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Comptroller Joe Anani, the new Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says the successful roll-out and subsequent revenue collection and trade facilitation achievements associated with the B’Odogwu, the Unified Customs Management System, remains a great milestone that must be improved upon.
He has, therefore, implored all customs officers, sister government agencies and private sector stakeholders to join hands with him in the journey to keep the great records of Ports Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) high.
He particularly appealed to stakeholders to always stick to compliance because they stand to benefit more from being on the right side of the law at all times.
Comptroller Anani stated this in Lagos, Friday, while taking over the mantle of leadership from the immediate-past Controller, ACG Tenny Daniyan, at a brief but colourful ceremony marking the change of guards. Describing the Command and stakeholders as well organised, he promised to build on the various pioneering feats recorded by his predecessor. He enjoined everyone to feel free to interact with him either directly through visits or virtually.
“While thanking God and the CGC, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for the opportunity to serve here, let me state that our journey to succeed must remain a collective task. I am not here to do it alone.”
”I hereby call on all customs officers, sister government agencies, private sector stakeholders and the press to support me in our goal to sustain PTML as a model port of excellence, known for security, efficiency and diligent trade facilitation”.
”I pledge to build and improve on the gains achieved by my predecessors in the area of faster cargo clearance which aligns with Time Release Study (TRS) programme.
”I am aware that this Command holds an outstanding record of two hour cargo release time for compliant RoRo consignment. The key word here is compliance. With improved compliance and efficient system, we can do less than two hours”.
Compliance, he recalled, is the key to trade facilitation. It is critical for smooth port operations and ensures adherence to regulations, reduces delays, mitigates risks and fosters trust among trading partners.
”Compliance minimises bottlenecks and enhances efficiency in global trade and PTML cannot be an exception.”
” I want to urge all our stakeholders to imbibe the tenets of compliance because it results in a win-win situation for everyone, saving time and money. Whereas non compliance leads to interventions, issuance of demand notices, waste of time and possible seizure , detention and arrest. Let’s continue to make this area a great example that it has always been.
He promised full enforcement of the CGC’s directive on zero tolerance for smuggling even as he acknowledged that stakeholders are already on the right track.
Welcoming Comptroller Anani, stakeholders who turned out in their numbers commended ACG Daniyan for his outstanding performance in seeing to the success of B’Odogwu from its pilot phase to full deployment across various commands nationwide. They described the ACG’s leadership as outstanding with trail blazing effects on increased trade, revenue ,anti smuggling and robust interaction with stakeholders.
The President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) Otunba Frank Ogunojemite described Daniyan as a man whose records speak volumes positively. He urged ACG Daniyan to carry his working zeal ahead into NCS management team.
Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents, PTML Chapter, Chief Charles Nwarrienne described Daniyan as an excellent officer deserving to be issued a “certificate of project completion” for diligently achieving the success of B’Odogwu from beginning to a state of consolidation.
MMIA CUSTOMS COMMAND: Comptroller Harrison Passes Baton to Comptroller Nwokorie
LEKKI FREE TRADE ZONE CUSTOMS: Comptroller Abubakar Decorates Promoted Officers, Stresses Hard Work, Dedication to Duty.
PTML CUSTOMS: Comptroller Joe Anani Takes Over from ACG Daniyan, Harps on Improved Compliance.
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