Customs, NPA Synergies to Streamline Seaports Operations in the Country

 Customs, NPA Synergies to Streamline Seaports Operations in the Country

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Ag. Comptroller-General of  Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, has pledged commitment to enhance the output of designated export processing terminals.

The Customs Boss made this promise on Monday, 28th August, 2023, at his Office, while receiving the Managing Director of Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Muhammad Bello Koko, and his entourage on a courtesy visit.

The Ag. CGC, who spoke on the recent developments at Lilypond, told Mr. Koko that the two organizations need to synergize to streamline the operations of the nation's seaports.

“We need to form a joint team that will engage other Government Agencies to refine the activities of exporting goods through the installation of trackers to avoid delays in the diversion of goods - and I want to assure you that the Management Team of the Nigeria Customs Service will work with you.” Ag. CGC said.

Speaking earlier, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Muhammad Bello Koko, congratulated the Ag. CGC, and sought his support to upgrade facilities at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal and to decongest Lagos ports.

Mr. Koko assured the CGC that once Lagos Ports are decongested, the facilities will attract higher patronage. He also called for synergy among the various Customs Units to enhance speedy passage of cleared consignment at the terminal.

The NPA Boss said, “We thank you so much for supporting the Committee that was set up. Members of this Committee have gone round the country.”

He expressed worries over the congestion at the Port, which, according to him, makes it difficult for the Authority to operate properly.

Nigeria Customs Service Clarifies Misleading Report on Vehicle Identification Number

(VIN) Valuation Process 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has on Monday August 28, 2023, condemned and regarded as misleading a report on the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) Valuation process which was on the social media recently.

The Service spokesman, CSC Abdullahi Aliyu Maiwada, in a statement made available to Journslists confirmed that a circular about the examination and release of used vehicles has highlighted by the author actually exist, but maintained that the accurate context of the circular was overlooked by the author. 

To him,  "The VIN Valuation Process remains fully operational and effective. The mentioned circular specifically pertains to imported used vehicles equipped with trim numbers. These trim numbers are critical in identifying distinct versions or tiers within a specific car model. They delineate varying configurations, features, and levels of equipment associated with the model. Furthermore, different trim levels offer diverse technological advancements, interior and exterior features, and, occasionally, distinct engine options.  

"For instance, a car model could feature trim levels such as "Base", "Sport", "Luxury", and "Premium. Each of these trim levels might present differing combinations of attributes, such as premium leather seats, advanced infotainment systems, upgraded wheels, and enhanced safety features, among other enhancements. This results in an elevated value for the vehicle compared to the base model.  

"To ensure fairness and accuracy, the NCS mandates that imported used vehicles with trim numbers undergo valuation at the Valuation Seat after a thorough examination. This process aims to establish the vehicle's appropriate and precise Customs value. 

"The NCS urges the general public to dismiss the misleading report and encourages individuals to engage with the various Customs Formations across the nation for any additional clarification or information they may require," he maintained. 

Tin Can Customs Arrests two Suspects in connection with two Containers having Contradicting Bill of Laden

...Seize Frozen Products on False Declaration

ZAINAB JUNAID

Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has arrested a freight forwarder, Mr. Boniface Ike and one other Suspect on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 at about 14:00hrs and Wednesday, 23 August 2023 at about 14:00 hours, in Connection with importation of 2X40ft containers which have contradicting Blll of Lading.

Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Adekunle Oloyede disclosed this at a press briefing held at the Command today stating that contrary to the Bill of Lading tendered by the suspects, physical examination conducted on their containers upon arrival at the enforcement station by Customs Intelligence Operatives,Customs Police, Examination Officers and Enforcement Officers of the Terminal revealed that illicit dangerous drugs (unregistered regulated pharmaceutical products) are what was concealed in the containers.

Comptroller Oloyede explained that the unregistered pharmaceutical products intercepted are regulated products by National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control  (NAFDAC) and didn't have the required permits and certificates for importation in which the documents are to ascertain the safety of the products to Nigerians, hence these illicit dangerous drugs were concealed.

After cross examination, it was discovered that the two containers with numbers MRSU592397/0 and MRKU 553432/1, and Bill of Lading number 227578945 and 227898171 respectively, which listed items laden to include one thousand and Sixteen (1,016) and one thousand and twenty one (1,021) packages containing Electrical Goods Ceiling Fan 36 Jewel (Cooper) and Chilly Cutters( Stainless Steel+Plastic) was found to concealed the followings - 

1.Five (5) cartons of Timaking 120 Tapentadol (Tramadol) Hydrochloride Carisoprodol capsule. Each carton contains 50 rolls, each rolls contains 5 packets, each packet 200 tablets.

2. Eighty-Four (84) cartons of Gastro Resistant Omeprazole capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet contains 10 capsules,

3. Eight Hundred and Seventy-Six (876) cartons of CSMIX cough syrup containing Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Each carton contains 200 bottles.

4. Fifty (50) cartons of Manual Grater Machine - 70 pieces per carton as means of concealment

5. One (1) carton of Ceiling Fan as a means of concealment.

The Second Container  with number MRKU 553432/1, concealed-

i.Ten (10) cartons of Super Royal 225 (Tramadol). Each carton contains 50 rolls, each roll contains 10 packets, each packet 10 tablets

2. One Hundred and five (105) cartons of Omeprazole Capsule BP 200mg. Each carton contains 50 packets, each packet xontains 10 capsules

3. Seven Hundred and fifty four (754) caryons of Barcadin with Codeine (each bottle 100ml). Eaxh carton contains 200 Bottles.

4. Fifty (50) cartons of Manual Grater Machine -70 pieces per carton as means of concealment.

5. One carton of Compo Ceiling Fan as means  of concealment.

One of the suspects (Mr. Boniface Ike) who pleaded guilty and claimed owner of the two trucks 'Shot himself in the leg' by trying to buy off some officers at the enforcement units.

According to the CAC, "Mr Boniface Ike accepted that he owns the two containers but sought to buy his way out by offering gratification of ₦50, 000, 000 (Fifty Million Naira only), an equivalent of $54, 330 at the current exchange rate of ₦920 to OC Enforcement DG GI Aliyu and Team Manager CIU AC H Abubakar for the release of the containers and his freedom.

"With this development, the Officers played along following my instructions and decided to grant his request. The money was collected and kept in safe custody at the enforcement unit. This will be tendered as exhibit. Meanwhile, the suspects, containers and cash exhibit will be handed over to the agencies that are in charge of regulation of such importation as soon as the Service direct and the Service may decide to prosecute them according to the Service Act, Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023."

However in a related development, another routine examination carried out at Tincan Island Container Terminal on Container No. TTNU 804678/9 with declaration lodged on SGD CNo: 70754 of 24/08/2023, revealed that the Container concealed Frozen Poultry Products inside Tangerines.

"The Single Goods Declaration (SGD) other supporting documents (Form M and PAAR) stated Tangerines which as used to conceal the frozen poultry products actually imported. The goods were falsely declared as they are Import Prohibition (Trade), the Container has been seized for the contravention of Section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (2023)," CAC Oloyede Said.

Following the siezed items, the CAC reiterated that the Command will never be part of a nefarious acts that will jeopardize the safety and lives of the citizens of Nigeria and warned that fraudulent Importers or agents who refused to desist from this nefarious will be prosecuted accordingly.

"The persistent fraudulent nature of Importers and Agents drives us to be more innovative in putting methods and measures to combat smuggling activities, ensure no leakage of revenue to the Government and safety of Nigerians," the Comptroller said.