The Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on the implementation of the Destination Inspection Scheme (DI) and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
Chairman of STOAN, Princess Dr. Vicky Haastrup, who gave the commendation in Lagos over the weekend expressed confidence in the ability of the NCS to ensure success of the PAAR scheme and operations of scanning machines at the seaports, airports and border posts.
“The takeover of the DI and introduction of PAAR by the Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi, is a commendable move. As patriotic Nigerians, we support government’s decision on the importation regime and we will give the Nigeria Customs Service unflinching support in ensuring that it succeeds in this onerous task thrust on it,” Haastrup stated in a press release issued from her office.
She said terminal operators will provide necessary support to their respective Customs Commands to ensure hitch-free implementation of the new import assessment and risk management regime.
It would be recalled that Customs took over full implementation of the destination inspection scheme at the beginning of December 2013 upon expiration of the contract of the DI service providers. Upon takeover of the scheme, the NCS management introduced a new import risk management platform, the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) to replace the Risk Assessment Report (RAR) hitherto issued by the DI service providers.
Haastrup also stated that the year 2013 witnessed tremendous improvement in port operation as many terminal operators increased the efficiency of their service offerings through the acquisition of additional modern cargo handling equipment.
“It was a challenging year for terminal operators as break bulk terminals were especially affetced by government policy especially as it affects the importation of rice but despite that, we have remained resolute in our commitment to continue to develop the port. Efficiency at our ports today is unparalled in the history of this country largely due to huge investment in information technology, modern cargo handling equipment and the development of the right human resources by terminal operators. However, the inefficiencies around the port especially with regards to other service deliveries, trucking and port access roads remain a huge dent on the ports,” Haastrup, who is also the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of ENL Consortium, stated.
She said her association will continue to support government to ensure that bottlenecks around the port environment are addressed.
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