Customs: Eastern Marine Command Strengthens Relationship with Stakeholders to Facilitate International Trade in South- South Waterways

 ...Seizes Tusks, Pangolin Scales, Other illegal items worth ₦680.3M DPV

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of the commitment to facilitate international trade and ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, the Eastern Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Port Harcourt, held a  productive stakeholders engagement parley with ship owners, agents and key stakeholders from the maritime sector.

The meeting which was held at the Command’s Headquarter, Port Harcourt, was organised by the Customs Area Controller of the Command, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu to discuss and streamline the process of carrying out proper documentation of temporary importation papers, thereby enhancing the ease of doing business in the maritime industry in the South-South waterways. 

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Command, NE Tangwa, ship owners, agents and representatives from various maritime enterprises actively participated in the discussions, sharing their experiences, challenges and valuable insights.

The event served as a platform for open dialogue and constructive engagement, allowing stakeholders to address common issues and propose practical solutions for improving the documentation process of temporary importation papers.

 The stakeholders on their part appreciated the development for such parley has not been held for a long time in the command.

Meanwhile, the Command also made a significant breakthrough in combatting wildlife trafficking by intercepting a substantial quantity of Pangolin scales, Elephant tusks and sacks of used second hand shoes. 

Tangwa disclosed in a statement that the seizures took place in the South-South coastal water-ways along Ibaka-Bakasi beach highlighting Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the Convention on International Trade In Endangered Species of Wild Fauna And Flora (CITES). 

The operation led by diligent officers of the command, resulted in the confiscation of a pangolin scales and elephant tusks weighing 365.4 kg and six large sacks of used second hand shoes with a total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of Six Hundred And Eighty Million, Two Hundred And Ninety Thousand, Four Hundred Naira Only (₦680,290,400.00) which are highly sought-after in illegal international markets.

Speaking on the seizures, Comptroller Mike Ugbagu said the seizure of the pangolins scales and elephant tusks underscores the urgent need for concerted global efforts to combat wildlife trafficking as these heinous activities not only endanger vulnerable species but also contribute to organize crime and illicit financial flows. 

He noted that Nigeria, as a responsible member of the international community, remains steadfast in its commitment to combating wildlife trafficking and preserving its rich biodiversity. 

The Controller appreciated the management of the Nigeria Customs Service for deploying gunboats and logistic boats to the command, emphasizing how the additional resources greatly enhanced the commands ability to patrol and secure the south-south coatsal waterways effectively and combing the beaches effectively. 

He thus reiterated his commitment to provide officers with the necessary tools and support needed to safeguard the Nations natural resources/habitats. 

"The Eastern Marine Command under my watch will continue to intensify its efforts in combating wildlife trafficking and protecting Nigeria’s natural heritage as this seizure of pangolin scales and elephant tusks sends a strong message to wildlife traffickers in the area that their activities will not be tolerated and will face severe consequences for their illegal activities if caught. 

"It should be noted that Nigeria customs service is a government agency responsible for facilitating legitimate trade, enforcing customs laws and combating illicit activities, including wildlife trafficking. The Customs Area Controller has reinvigorated and strengthened the patrol teams along the waterways for a 24hours patrol and combing the beaches. This has yielded positive outcomes and leading to the significant seizure the command has just made."

While commending his officers for their dedication and professionalism in executing this operation, the Area Controller enjoined the general public to assist the command with more useful information on the trade of illicit wildlife.

 "The successful seizure of these wildlife products showcased the effectiveness of collaborative efforts between the enforcement agencies which the Customs Area Controller sought for with the Nigerian Navy and other agencies operating along the waterways of Ibaka-Bakasi beach in curbing the illegal wildlife trade and other forms of smuggling," he said.

APFFLON Bemoans State of Onne Port Access Road

... Urges FG to Expidite its Repair

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), has called on the Federal Government to expedite action towards rehabilitation of the Onne Port access road which he described as an eye sore

National President of the Association, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, made the call during the inauguration of the Association's Executives on Thursday at Onne, Port Harcourt.

Ogunojemite said "We are using this opportunity to appeal to the Federal Government to accelerate the repair of the road leading to the port. The access road is an eye sore and has been an impediment to ease of doing business, not only to port users, but also to the farmers and people living within the community."

In an interview with Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria( MAJAN), the APFFLON President noted that there is need to monitor the contractor handling the rehabilitation of the road in order to FasTrack its process.

He said in order not to impede movement of goods and people during the period of rehabilitation, alternative road need to be provided to ameliorate the inconveniences both port users and the community would experience during this period.

"So we are asking the government to fastrack the road construction, monitor the contractors, provide an alternative link road, not only for the port users, but also the host community, particularly the farmers," Ogunojemite stated.

He noted that the road is very important as it serves as transit path to Uyo and other areas and most importantly, it is the access road through which farmers move out their produce. 

The Association, after the inauguration paid a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Onne Port Commad, ACG B. Immam, and engaged in a robust discussion particularly on trade facilitator,revenue and export trade with him.

Fielding questions on activities going on in Onne Port, Ogunojemite expressed satisfaction saying he is impressed with the ongoing activities in the Port but appealed to Government to help reshape the deplorable state of infrastructure, the access road especially. 

His words, "Despite having only one scanner, the port is actually living up to expectation.  The thing that is lacking in Onne port is infrastructure. If truck break down, it is difficult to remove it, and this affects the time goods are moved from the port to the town. Government should help hasten the repair of the dilapidated infrastructure, provide more scanners in the Port."

Thousands of Containers of Cars Rot Away at APMT- Investigation

Thousands of Containers of Cars Trapped at APMT- Investigation 

ZAINAB JUNAID

Just as research reveals that thousands of Containers of Cars and other Cargoes are currently trapped at APM Terminal, the National Coordinator, 100 Percent Compliance, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, (NAGAFF) Alh. Ibrahim Tanko has alleged that the abandoned Cargoes in the Port and Terminal are deliberately not being moved to government Warehouse.

Alhaji Tanko made the allegations on Thursday in Apapa saying the Cargoes are only occupying spaces in the ports yet the  Nigerian Ports Authority(NPA) constantly complain of non availability of space. " Why are they not being moved, why are these terminals holding unto these Cargoes and complaining of lack of space, the overtime cargoes must be released to government Warehouse," Tanko said.

Meanwhile an earlier investigation revealed that APM Terminal has over 9000 overtime Containers and other Cargoes rotten away in the terminal, while they complain of lack of space but are comfortable storing overtime cargoes. "Why are they not willing to transfer them to government Warehouse, they give all manner of excuses when prompted to transfer these Cargoes, they complain about lack of barges and others," a source said. 

Continuing, "There are vested interests at APMT which makes them think they are larger than life itself, refusing to obey regulatory Authorities and rules of engagement. This can only happen in  Nigeria," the source lamented.

On the arbitrary increments of charges by terminal operators, Alhaji Tanko said the Shippers' Council brokered peace between Freight Forwarders and Terminal Operators, which led to a reduction of charges from 600 percent increment down to 400 percent.

He explained that from all indications, it was a remarkable achievement. "Even though we didn't get all we wanted but we got a 400 percent, a reduction from the 600 percent which was almost forced down our throats, half bread is better than nothing; 400 percent, 3-5 days waiver and the container must be there before the 5 days starts counting. We also were able to extract from them that the debit Note is reversible and for those who paid before this reduction, they must be re-funded."

However, Tanko noted he has not confirmed if Seaport Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria(STOAN) has started implementing the new charges as at Wednesday, " if we notice that they are not implementing, we shall take our protest terminal by terminal to ensure that we get it done."

"Though some Freight Forwarders do not agree to this reduction, as they feel it is not enough but I will appeal to all of them to give peace a chance and thrust the leaders to ensure that their interests are protected. I want to appeal to some of our members who feel we didn't get it right to understand that for 11years, the Terminal Operators have not increased these changes, things have changed, the cost of doing business has gone up, forex, the exchange rate is killing everyone, therefore I think there is need for some increment to also help cushion the effect of these changes," Tanko stated.

Couple with the afore mentioned is the issue of demurrage which is stifling our businesses, "that is why we appealed for a 5 day window, let's start from somewhere as negotiations progress. We did this in the best interest of all, everyone has the right to say what they want but someone has to push it through, it took us to do this and I know how much effort we put in and no matter what, we deserve a part on the back, thank you is not too much, they should understand with us," he pleaded.

On whether the recent appointment of a new Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer for the Nigerian Shippers'Council will affect the negotiation, Tanko said," the ES lost his job yesterday and a new one appointed in his place. Well it is "Soldier go, Soldier come" and you know what they say, barracks remain. It is a continuous process, so long as governance is concerned, it is Shippers'Council and no matter who sits there, it will be implemented, so long as he's a Nigerian with the interest of Nigerians. I believe he was brought in to assuage the situation and not to aggravate it," He enthused.

Customs Strengthens Ties with Traditional Rulers in Oyo/Osun States

Customs Strengthens Ties with Traditional Rulers in Oyo/Osun States 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

In line with the directive of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, that all Commands must continue to strengthen relationships with host Communities, promote mutual understanding, cooperation and mitigate conflict between members of respective communities and Officers of Commands, Customs Area Controller of Oyo/Osun Area Command, Dr. Ben Oramalugo has embarked on a familiarization visit to Outstations in Border towns/areas of Oyo and Osun States. 

He paid homage to the Soun of Ogbomoso land, the Okere of Saki land both in Oyo State; the Ataoja of Osogbo land, the Ogunsua of Modakeke land and the Ooni of Ife land all in Osun State.  

While engaging the traditional rulers on issues related to trade facilitation, revenue generation, community development, suppression of smuggling and promotion of lawful trade practices, the Comptroller emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service and Traditional Rulers for effective implementation of Federal Government policies and regulations which are to be enforced by the Command.

He expressed gratitude for the warmth reception received and noted that the engagement is an avenue for respective Traditional Rulers to share their invaluable insights and experiences regarding Custom which affect their respective communities. 

"This visit aimed at promoting harmonious relationship between Nigeria Customs Service and the Citizens it serves," he said. 

Recognizing the vital role of traditional rulers as custodians of culture and leaders of their respective community, Comptroller Oramalugo, stated that the visit also aimed at increasing understanding, creating awareness about Customs operations, regulations and the importance of compliance amongst the respective host communities.  

He underscored the commitment of the Service to promote trade facilitation, combat smuggling of contraband items, arms and ammunitions and hard drugs and enhance revenue generation through the enforcement of laws and regulations. 

He further sought their support in achieving his objectives and expressed optimism for future collaboration and partnership with the respective traditional Rulers in Oyo and Osun states.

The Traditional Rulers on their parts, expressed appreciation for the Controller's visit and opportunity given to engage directly with the Area Controller and his management team. 

They acknowledged the significance of Customs operations in maintaining national security, economic stability and welfare of their communities, and assured the Controller and his entourage of their commitment to strengthen collaboration with the Command in order to promote legal trade activities and combat illicit trade practices within their respective domains.