The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has again warned importers and clearings agents against false declaration, duty underpayment and every form of concealment in their customs documentation.
Controller, PTML Command of the NCS, Comptroller Adeyanju Aremu who gave the warning during the inauguration of the PTML chapter of the International Freight Forwarders Association (IFFA) recently in Lagos said the Service would not spare anyone involved in the act.
She called on the agents to ensure that their documentations were accurately declared to get their consignment cleared out of the port without delay.
She said that the management of the NCS through its three-point agenda on reform, restructure and revenue generation was committed to enhancing the capacity of the service towards generation of more revenue in opening more frontiers through collaborations with stakeholders.
She said as part of effort towards improving the ease of doing business, the command now engages stakeholders in monthly interactive forum where challenges are outlined and solutions proffered.
“We are moving on a jet speed in this. It will interest you to know that already, across various commands in the country, Customs of the 21st century which the Service is now known for has commenced the implementation of the executive order of the federal government, geared towards the ease of doing business at the ports.
“Sister Agencies are also invited to this very creative forum where everyone is given the opportunity to contribute and through which we have recorded tremendous success,” she said.
In his response, National President of the International Freight Forwarders Association (IFFA) Sam Onyemelukwe called on its members to support the federal government to achieve its objectives on economic diversification and ease of doing business in the maritime and freight sector of the economy.
He said this will also enable members to consolidate and collaborate to ensure that all stakeholders comply with global best practices and set rules of engagement in maritime and shipping operations.
He enjoined members at the ports to be good ambassadors and always face their professional assignment with diligence.
The newly sworn in Chairman of the chapter, Elder Sunny Nnebe pledged to work with the ideals of the founders of the association in order to move the maritime industry to greater heights.
