Chairman Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) Chapter, Alloy Anokwuru, has said that agents operating at the terminal are no longer faced with the problem of poor server network to carry out their customs clearance procedures.
Anokwuru said that this was the handiwork of the new Customs Area Controller KLT Customs Command, Frances Enwereuzor, who he said, made it her first priority to installing a mast at the command.
“Barely two months she came to this place, she improved the situation of this command by ensuring that the mast is erected. Without the mast we cannot capture or release any job. I thank God we can now boast of a mast here at the command” Anokwuru said.
He described Enwereuzor as a “modern CAC” who expects nothing but “proficiency and professionalism” from her officers and has mandated training for the officers to achieve that.
“Since she assumed office, officers of the command go to Abuja for training courses and this is a very new thing because I have never heard before her arrival of officers going for training in this command” Anokwuru said.
Anokwuru said agents operating at the command enjoy a one-on-one relationship with her as she is easily accessible. He said: “We thank the CGC for bringing her here. She talks to agents and try to find out the problems they face and if there is any she immediately proffers solution.
Anokwuru urged his colleagues to take advantage of the open door policy ran by the present customs administration at the command and not step down containers and vehicles meant for the terminal at Tincan and Apapa.
He said that this has been a major problem affecting the revenue of the command and the new Controller had promised to compromise to address the limitations.
“If you are getting ex-factory price for one hundred thousand naira, the same hundred thousand naira will be given to you here. Nobody will take an extra one naira from you, if anybody demands let us know and we will let her know. There is no need for paying at Tincan when you know you can get the same rate here” Anokwuru urged.
The ANLCA chieftain also appealed to the Customs Comptroller General to influence the transfer of containers to the terminal. He reiterated that with the present traffic situation the KLT Customs Command will not meet its revenue target unless the Customs boss pulls his authority to ensure containers are transferred to KLT. Although he testified the new CAC’s efforts to easing the gridlock situation on the road accessing the terminal, Anokwuru said that there is a need for the customs high command to “talk to the shipping companies not to step containers and vehicles meant for KLT down at Apapa and Tincan.”
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