Maritime Agencies
RIGHT DECLARATIONS: NAGAFF Compliance Team Charges Agents ………Cautions SON
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
If compliance to extant rules can be observed up to 60 percent and clearing agents make right declarations, it will be a good starting point to bring sanity to port operations.
Chairman, NAGAFF 100 percent Compliance Team, Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim, stated this in Lagos, Thursday.
He was exchanging views with the press at a Roundtable organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) at the Maritime International Press Centre, Apapa.
On the return of the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) to the ports, Tanko Ibrahim welcomed it as a good development. However, he cautioned against the agency indulging in sample-taking, mounting road blocks and other unwholesome practices which was part of agents’ grouse that informed government’s decision to bar her from the ports.
Now that SON is back, he stated, they should go to warehouses to collect samples and make seizures where necessary. They should also consider the practice of SONCAP whereby goods are examined and certificated at the point of manufacture to ensure they meet standards before export to Nigeria.
The NAGAFF chief took an exception to the the SON appointing overseas inspection representatives even as the inflow of fake and substandard goods into Nigeria has not abated.
“I am not against the return of the SON but I expect the organisation to adhere strictly to its core functions and avoid unwholesome acts – sample taking, container blocking and roadblock checking. Our complaint against these acts in the past caused the federal government to remove it from the port.
“I agree that substandard goods are back in the market. Is SON coming to the port to take samples? Or continue blocking containers in their system? Or standing on the road harassing containers in the name of searching for substandard goods? No. SON should follow goods to the owners’ warehouses to take samples not in the port.
“They are welcome, they should tell us how they are going to work now they are back. But what is their overseas inspection representatives doing?”
Tanko expressed dismay over the continuous presence of the Customs Federal Operations Unit, Strike Force and Customs Police on the road stopping and arresting containers and issuing debit notes on cargoes already released in the port.
He frowned at the poor level of compliance by freight forwarders and customs agents regardin import rules and regulations. He described this as reason for the high level of suspicion and harassment they have continued to suffer in the hands of security agencies.
“It is not good after you have cleared your containers and FOU, Strike Force and Customs Police begin to issue you debit notes. What causes this problem is non-compliance; we are not up to 30% in terms of compliance.
“The government accused us of non-compliance but NAGAFF took it up to educate and enlighten its members and others on the need to comply.”
Alhaji Tanko Ibrahim who cautioned importers to always do the right thing to avoid debit notes and sleepless nights, emphasized that customs officers cannot ask for money from any agent who makes correct declarations. It is only when agents are at fault that they offer money to customs officers who are willing to play ball.
” We cannot continue this way”, he stated.
“We need to come together and do the right thing.
On scanners, he called on the Nigeria Customs Service to deploy more scanning machines in the ports. The only scanner at Apapa Port, although yet to work, is not enough to scan the large volume of containers in the port.
“We need more than one scanner in Apapa Port, at least three while considering the volumes of containers that are needed to be inspected by the Customs daily. We can’t drop 300 containers in a day for inspection. With more scanners installed, it will be easy. At least 1000 containers can be dropped for scanning. More scanners are needed if the government wants us to work effectively,” Tanko observed.
Speaking about insecurity, he raised an alarm.
He tasked the Police, NPA and Customs on the rate of influx of beggars, miscreants and layabouts who now freely enter the terminals, sleeping and smoking at sensitive areas.
“We should be mindful of our security. NPA, Police and Customs should collaborate to sanitize the ports area.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
Following a keenly-contested election, Thursday, Oluyinka Onigbinde, Assistant Editor, Shipping Position Daily, emerged the new President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
Out of 33 votes, Onigbinde polled 20 while his closest rival, Rev John Iwori, had 13.
The election, which witnessed active participation by members of the association, also produced other executive officers to pilot the affairs of MARAN following the dissolution of the Tunde Ayodele-led Caretaker Committee. These are Sylvanus Obasi (Vice President), Fabian Anawo (Secretary) and Amina Ojelabi (Assistant Secretary). Others are Ruth Umunnna (Treasurer), Ambrose Okehi (Financial Secretary) and Providence Ayanfeoluwa (Public Relations Officer).
The new MARAN Executive during swearing-in by Mr Leye Ajayi, the Lagos NUJ Chairman.
Speaking after swearing in the officers, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, Chairman, Lagos State Council of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), urged the newly-elected officers to conduct the affairs of the maritime journalists’ body with a deep sense of patriotism while promoting professionalism, welfare, and unity among members of the association.
Maritime Agencies
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
In the past eight weeks, the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), Zone ‘A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ikeja , Lagos, intercepted narcotics and contrabands valued at over N5.5billion, thus, posting a substantial breakthrough in the sustained efforts to deal with smuggling of illicit goods and unauthorized importations.
The FOU Zone ‘A’ Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Aliyu Gambo announced this in Lagos, Tuesday, during a press conference.
Beside cocaine worth ₦2.35 billion, large quantities of 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice equivalent of 15 trailers, petroleum products, used vehicles, and other prohibited goods were also displayed as confiscated.
During the period, he stated, the Unit carried out 473 successful interdictions, seizing 8,794 bags of 50kg foreign rice, 22 used vehicles, 328 bales of used clothing, 31,705 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and a Mercedes-Benz vehicle valued at ₦119 million.
Also seized were 531 cartons of frozen poultry, 1,188 kegs of vegetable oil, 485 used tyres, and several cartons of spaghetti and sugar.
Comptroller Gambo Aliyu revealed that operatives at the Gbaji Customs on Seme Road intercepted a 71-year-old suspect along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor with 6.35kg of cocaine concealed in a Toyota Highlander. The drugs, comprising powdered and crystalline variants, carry an estimated street value of ₦2.35 billion.
Under a special operation code-named Operation Hawk, the unit also seized 3,340 parcels of synthetic cannabis, popularly known as “Ghanaian loud,” weighing 1,540kg. The seized narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in a formal handover ceremony during the briefing, for further investigation and prosecution.
The CAC who lamented the huge harm consumption of drugs inflicts on the Nigerian society regretted that today, many homes are broken.
”A lot of homes are broken due to drugs and the results of drug trafficking. Our mandate is to cut off the supply chain, and that is exactly what we are doing.”
He further unveiled four cylinders of mercury concealed in a vehicle along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor, describing the hazardous substance as regulated under international conventions.
The unit also recovered ₦97.7 million through Demand Notices on under-declared consignments. He requested for stronger collaboration among security agencies to confront and overcome various strategies being applied by purveyors of illicit trade networks.
Commending the synergy between the NCS and the NDLEA, Narcotics Commander, Kabiru I, K. explained that this should send a strong signal to purveyors of illicit trade that the South-West corridor is under close surveillance.
Customs
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
By Izuchukwu Ozoemena
The Seme Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has restated a strong desire to ensure free movement of goods and services along the Lagos-Abidjan international trade corridor by eradicating all negative factors involved. This it is implementing through effective collaboration and engagement with critical stakeholders.
This is contained in a release by the Command’s image maker, Superintendent of Customs J.T. Ayagbalo, on behalf of Comptroller Kaila, the Customs Area Controller.
While on a series of familiarization visits to the Palaces of traditional rulers and stations of heads of sister security agencies, the CAC announced that the step signifies a bold commitment to achieving the goals and objectives of the Service in line with the Federal government economic policies.
At the Palace of Oba Akran of Badagry Kingdom, the Customs Area Controller condoled with the royal family and entire people of Badagry kingdom on the passing away of HRM De Wheno Aholu Menu Toyi I, a highly recognized traditional ruler across the border communities and beyond.
””The purpose of my visit is to introduce myself as the Area Controller of Seme Command and to equally seek your royal blessing and support to achieve the core mandate of the service. Our priority remains to generate revenue, facilitate trade and suppress smuggling. And we in the Customs believe that without due support and co-operation from traditional rulers, we cannot have effective performance of our functions as Customs officers” he said.
In response, the King Regent, Chief Abel Ogunbiyi, described Kaila as a son of the soil, added: “We have listened to your request. Know that Badagry is a very peaceful town, and we will keep collaborating with you in safeguarding our borders and in promoting legitimate trade, ” he stated.
Comptroller Kaila also visited the Onibereko of Ibereko Awori-Kingdom, where the monarch, Oba Israel Okoya where he signified his commitment to fostering the service’s relationship with residents living within the border communities
”I welcome you to Badagry and be rest assured that I will always talk to my people whenever the need is required. In our town, our youth does not engage in illegalities as I have no other choice than to assist you in achieving the government mandate, ” he stated.
While at the Palace of Alapa of Apa Kingdom the king HRM Oba Oyekan Ajose Ilufemiloye commended and described the CAC, Comptroller Kaila as a professional, seasoned and well respected officer as described by indigenes of border communities.
”I promise you that I will always assist you in my area for anything that you need. Our border here has been peaceful because our youth always listen to the elders, and I know with your present here, things will change for the better, ” he said
In his efforts to consolidate on existing synergy between sister security agencies, the controller visited Headquarters of 653 Nigerian Air force base, Ahanve-Badagry. The Air Force base formation expressed their readiness to always support the command in achieving its mandate. This was revealed by the Commanding Officer, Group Captain Hungruy Medugu, where he added that both agencies shared similar purposes.
”Our collaboration has been key to various successes we have recorded in our area of responsibility. Your presence here strengthens existing bonds of inter-agency collaboration between both Services, and we will not take it for granted ,” he said
The Area Controller then ended his familiarization tour by seeking for mutual cooperation with a visit to the Republic of Benin Police office showing his readiness to eradicate hindrances affecting the free movement of goods and services across the border.
MARAN Elects Yinka Onigbinde As New President.
Anti-Smuggling Operations: FOU ‘A’ Customs Seizes N2.35bn Drugs, Pledges Hard Times for Smugglers.
Kaila, Seme Customs Boss, Pledges To Eradicate Trade Barriers, Visits Stakeholders To Create Awareness.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoNSW: Stakeholders Fear Success With Weak Commitment by Drivers and Lack of Reforms by Government.
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Maritime Agencies3 weeks agoIhenacho, Ogbeifun, Shittu, Other Industry Heavyweights Confirm Attendance As MARAN Celebrates Past Presidents
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