Body decries multiple container examinations by authorities
The National Compliance Joint Task Force of License Clearing Agents (NCJTFLCA), yesterday, decried duplication of checks on containers cleared by Customs authorities at different points in Lagos before arriving at their destination.
Its National President, Dr Basil Nwolisa, who spoke in Lagos, noted that the development had resulted in financial loss and delays in meeting delivery targets.
Nwolisa argued that the practice had negated the ease of doing business policy being championed by the Federal Government. He claimed: “The atrocities of men of Federal Operating Unit (FOU) cannot be explained because it is a double standard.
“How can a senior officer of Customs release a consignment and then, just very close to the port, a low-ranking officer of FOU will apprehend the container and take it to their headquarters?
“Sometimes they will hold the container for about three weeks or one month. At the end of the day, the container would be seized.
“How can a senior officer release a consignment while a junior officer from FOU seized it outside the port.”
“At times, they used to give us additional payment or seize the containers.” Nwolisa said the “annoying part was that after being released by FOU, on the way to Aba, Onitsha and Umuahia, another enforcement union like the South-West Unit of Customs would stop the container for another round of examinations.”
The NCJTFLCA boss urged Customs authorities to call their men to order, to avoid “portraying the current administration in a bad light.”
Related
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
0 Comments
We will review and take appropriate action.