Godfrey Bivbere
9 January 2009
President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), Mr. Lucky Amiwero has said that the Federal Government must have lost over one trillion naira to the lingering congestion at the nation's port in Lagos in the last three months.
Disclosing this in an interview with Vanguard in Lagos, Amiwero noted that but for non availability of relevant statistics, the actual figures could been far more.
He based his calculations on the partial sub-charge slammed on importers by shipping companies for the long wait before discharge, demurrage paid for because of the congestion at the port, other rates and charges etc.
He further noted that the clearing procedure for goods coming into the country through the nation's port are so cumbersome that people now prefer to go to neighbouring port of Cotonou where the processes are easier and the charges are cheaper.
He faulted claims that importers' refusal to take delivery of their consignments is responsible for the congestion at the ports. He blamed the management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for the problem through the issuances of circular 026 to the various commands, empowering to seize and auction goods.
Amiwero explained that the directive is contrary to the import guideline on procedures and documentation under the Destination Inspection Scheme.
He pointed out that the section relating to import with regards to the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) which is section 27 (1), 28 and 29 of cap C45 of 2004, has no relevance to the present import process under Destination Inspection.
The Council President noted that "the control of import and implementation was removed by the Pre-shipment Inspection of import, Destination Inspection Act 11 of 1996."
According to him, "the application of section 46 and 47 of the CEMA is a clear contravention of the import guideline that allows for assessment and issuance of Demand Notice when any discrepancy is discovered."
He also faulted the Risk Assessment Report being issued by the Service Providers for the Customs which he noted is blind and have no relevance to the cargo imported because it is done with reliance on documents provided and no physical inspection of the said goods.
He similarly blamed the multiplicity of Customs unit at the various command as one of the reasons for the congestion e.g the CIU, Enforcement unit and residence unit which all perform valuation duty.
He also identified the re-circling of officers within the Lagos area as a problem which government most look into.
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