ANLCA debunks report on Customs extortion at Onne Port

Chairman of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Onne Seaport Chapter, Mike Ebeatu, has refuted reports alleging that officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in Onne port, Rivers State, extort money from licensed agents to exit consignments.

Ebeatu, who disclosed this in a statement, while reacting to some online reports, said members of the association are constantly sensitised to operate in compliance with the extant import and export prohibition lists, hence, they have no reason to pay bribes either at the points of examination or at the exit gate.

He also noted that while the association constantly engages the customs for an improved operational relationship, it frowns on any form of unlawful dealings like smuggling, under declaration, undervaluation and concealment.

“We are aware that the giver and taker are liable by law and therefore distance ourselves from such things. Our confidence is rooted in our sincerity of purpose, which has been passed to our importers too. Any agent or freight forwarder who admits to giving bribes or allowing himself to be extorted is complicit.

“For the umpteenth time, we once again urge the Federal Government to step up efforts at fixing the port access roads from Port Harcourt through Eleme to Onne on time and create incentives to make the entire eastern ports attractive to importers and shippers,” he said.