Godfrey Bivbere
3 September 2008
Management of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is seeking government extension of the grace period given for the importation of rice to cushion the food crisis which led to some rice producing countries' refusal to export their products.
The decision of the Service stemmed from the fact that businessmen in the country did not order for their consignments immediately government removed all duties for the importation of rice.
Making the position of the NCS known in Lagos weekend during a business meeting with members of the Balogun Business Association (BBA), Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) zone "A", Comptroller Rasheed Taiwo, said that it takes some time before the time order is placed for goods to be imported and when they are finally shipped.
Taiwo is of the opinion that extension being sought by the management of the Service is to allow for such goods to enter into the country. The Customs boss further explained that "Management have written to government for a two months extension and I think government may grant it."
He also disclosed that though the new tariff is not out yet, it is not impossible that government may slash it from the present 50 per cent which will discourage Nigerian businessmen from taking their goods to neighbouring ports as against using the nation's ports.
On the preparation of his men for last quarter of the year, he noted that it is true that towards the end of the period, a lot of imports are brought into the country both dutiable and none-dutiable but stressed that he and his men are on the red alert.
For those hoping to smuggling in rice during this period despite all the incentives being put in place, he advised them to have a change of heart as he and his men are posed to ensure that such people do not succeed.
He pointed out that they are ready to sustain the momentum which they have started against smuggling activities in the zone, warning that every smuggled consignments caught would be forfeited to the Federal Government.
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