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. 

Inadequate Legislation and Regulations of Ports Nosedived the Sector' - Segun Musa

'Inadequate Legislation and Regulations of Ports Nosedived maritime Sector' -  Dr. Segun Musa

-Calls for Integrated Framework to Sustain the Blue Economy 

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Publisher, Global Transport Policy, Dr. Segun Musa has identified political compensation appointments experienced at Nigerian ports as a major factor mitigating the maritme sector and needs to be rectified. 

Speaking at the 8th anniversary celebration of National Pathfinder and Public Lecture held in Lagos on Thursday, Dr. Musa who was once a Lagos State gubernatorial candidate in 2019 under Advanced National Democratic Party(ANDP) bewailed the idea of using the maritime sector to compensate politicians, saying it has nosedived the sector. 

"The industry is a critical sector that needs master mariner, professionals to be at its helms not political compensation appointees that have limited knowledge about the sector. This is killing the Ports, it doesn't encourage enough trainings and more skills are diminished within a short confine. Inorder to be able to harness the potentials within the system, there is need to start doing things right. If a master mariner is appointed as the minister, the sector will thrive."

"For example, when we realized the congestion in the port, we thought of a way to bycot inland container depot which can be achievable through rail. We start emphasizing for rail development and when the opportunity came to start connecting our port to the rail lines, to the industry through the rail, the government rather connected passenger coaches which we never deficit for. With the huge loans collected, how will passengers pay back. It is only cargo that can pay the loans and they did not make coaches for cargoes available, except for the few they just started experimenting lately. Whereas everything they supposed to start with should have been coaches to carry cargo and freight since the commencement of the raill project under Obasanjo administration,"

He bemoaned the loss accrued as a result of having inexperienced ministers at the relms of the industry and the impact on port congestion, which could have been avoided through Cargo coaches on rail corridor. 

Giving reasons for the creation of marine and blue economy, he said the component is to give major actors in the industry, an insight to know the potentials that have not been harnessed properly. 

The freight forwarder doyen, who has spent over three decades in the industry opined that an inclusive policy framework will help harness the potentials within the blue economy which will result to advance economy. 

He called on government to ensure holistic automation of the Port, enabling environment for both public and private investments, encourage local community engagement and deplo open market policies that will not endangered or frustrate private investors out of business. 

Also speaking at the interactive session held in Rockview Hotel, Prince Olayiwola Shittu JP, CEO/Chairman Skellas Group, who was represented by Dr. Pius Ujubuonu buttressed Dr. Musa's point adding that government should encourage appointment of professionals to strategic positions in the sector that will help move the industry forward. 

Chief Chukwu Osita Patrick, National Coordinator, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporters Coalition also maintained that government need to be more proactive in dealing with critical sectors as transport especially in a area of policies that will drive the industry towards achieving its objectives. 

In their goodwill messages, they appreciated the Organiser for his initiative and encouraged him not to relent his efforts in organizing Roundtable discussions as this that will help foster activities within port environment and also move industry forward. 

However, in his welcome address, Nze livinus Onwugbolu, Publisher of Pathfinder and also Organiser of the event themed "Blue Economy - the need to reposition Nigeria's Maritime Industry to Drive National Economic Development" expressed gratitude for the actualization of the event and turn out of stakeholders but remarked that for Nigeria to enjoy the benefits of the inherent blue economy, there is need to reposition the maritme industry. 

He noted that the essence of the blue economy is to properly harness the Nigeria Maritime potentials in the quest for repositioning the economy. "The sector holds potentials that has not been fully utilized. Without repositioning the industry, I don't think it will be able to play the role it is expected to play," he stressed. 

Nigeria Customs Repels Attack on its Facility in Geidam, Yobe State

 Mourns Fallen Hero

ZAINAB JUNAID 

In a valiant stand against suspected Boko Haram insurgents, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), with timely reinforcement from the Nigerian Army, foiled an attack on the Customs Office in Geidam town, Yobe State, demonstrating unwavering courage and resilience against the enemies of the state. 

National Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada disclosed this in a statement on Sunday adding that the Customs Office faced a formidable threat but was bravely defended, the facility and the families of fellow officers and men were safeguarded.

During the harrowing encounter, Assistant Superintendent of Customs II Ahmed Usman, born on April 2, 1983, and a dedicated NCS member since February 24, 2009, tragically paid the ultimate sacrifice. He hailed from Pindiga Town, Akko Local Government Area in Gombe State, leaving behind a grieving wife and five children, three boys and two girls.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, alongside the entire NCS fraternity, extends heartfelt condolences to the family of ASC II Ahmed Usman, the NCS Borno/Yobe Area Command, and the Government of Gombe State for the loss of this heroic and devoted individual in the line of duty.

Furthermore, the CGC expressed gratitude for the unwavering solidarity and cooperation extended to the NCS by the Nigerian Army, Sister Agencies, and the good people of Yobe State under the leadership of His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, the Executive Governor. 

He emphasized the crucial role of community engagement in the shared pursuit of safety and security, urging all citizens to contribute to these collective endeavors actively.

In memory of ASC II Ahmed Usman and the face of adversity, the Nigeria Customs Service stands strong, resolute, and united, ensuring the safety and security of the nation's borders.

MAJAN Roundtable: "CGC Adeniyi is an International Customs Officer" - Aniebonam

'Nigeria couldn't have gotten someone better than a Man like Adewale Adeniyi.'

... Calls on CGC Adeniyi to Empower Zonal Commands, Trusts Area Controllers

...Speaks on Outrage Over Increase in Terminal Charges, Reversal of forex ban on  43 items, Others 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Founder, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF, Dr. Boniface Okechukwu Aniebonam has described the Customs Chief, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR as an International Customs Officer whom Nigeria would not want to let go for his stewardship and commitment to reshaping the future of customs practices in Nigeria. 

While fielding questions from members of the Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria(MAJAN) during a round table talk-show held on Friday October 20, 2023, Dr. Aniebonam made reference to the decision taken to disband the StrikeForce and other tremendous move made by the Comptroller General of Customs immediately he assumed office. 

He explained that the strike force was an ad-hoc arrangement, an intervention force to correct a particular ailment. It shouldn't have lasted more than 3 months; or at most 6 months and returned back to their base. 

"A great decision taken by the new CGC was disbandment of the StrikeForce. The Comptroller General of Customs hit the ground running immediately he took over helms of the Nigeria Customs Service in June 19, 2023, especially running in the basic things he knew were going wrong but didn't have the opportunities to correct," he said.

Speaking further on more expectations from CGC Adewale, Dr. Aniebonam stressed the need for the Comptroller General of Customs to empower Zonal Commands nationwide and make them functional to address trade disputes, to ensure seamless operations.

“Going forward, the zonal commands of the Customs must be operational, if we want to discuss issues of trade facilitation, making operations to be seamless, having access to resolving trade matters, I expect the new CGC to devolve powers to the zones. Delegating powers to the Zones to handle trade matters and resolve disputes will fast track trade facilitation in the nation.

“I will advise the CGC to focus more on formulation of policies, training and retraining of officers to understand the language of Customs, international relations, welfare of officers and men of the Service. CGC Adeniyi should move away from operations and allow the Commands to take charge, because it’s more convenient for freight forwarders to take trade issues to Zonal commands to resolve, than traveling to Abuja always, even considering the security treat in the country.”

The Founder reiterated that, “The zones are manned by competent ACGs who are already in the bracket of being appointed to the top echelon of Customs hirachy. I believe the new CGC is working on it.

“Note that in devolving powers to the Zones, the CGC has the residual power to reverse any decision taken that is not right; or in tandem with the right procedures. That is the advantage in devolution of powers.”

He added that, “The CGC must in turn, trust the ACGs at the Zonal Commands. There must be trust in the system. Anything you are doing without trust, there is a problem. The headquarters of Customs must alsotrust Area Controllers at various Commands to do the needful, while keeping an eye on them”.

Speaking further, he emphasized that appropriate customs duty assessment on imported goods coming into the country must follow standard operating procedures. Imports at present are being over-valued for Customs purposes". 

"Emphasis by Customs on meeting alloted revenue targets is detrimental to trade facilitation, as well as compliance to import and export regulations, as Customs focuses more on the revenue collection than trade facilitation capable of stimulating economic growth and job creation. Don't benchmark cargo. Revenue is a function of trade policy, cost, insurance and freight when calculating the duty. What does it take to conduct customs examination looking at section 27, the Bill of sight?"

While responding to questions on the outrage by freight forwarders over excessive increase in terminal charges to over 650%, Dr. Boniface appealed to freight forwarders and maritime traders for calm, calling on Nigeria Shippers Council as the regulatory authority to urgently intervene in order to avoid chaos in the Port system, especially with the challenges facing the nation's economy at the moment. 

He described the purported increment in terminal charges as absurd, saying the terminal operators should have sought for approval of any proposed increase on charges from appropriate regulatory authority in the transportation ministry. 

He advised them to avoid unilateral decisions over charges instead the terminal operators should do broad based consultation with stakeholders before making official pronouncements. 

This, he said is important to prevent conflict in the industry. 

To him, "Consultation and dialogue are useful at all times for all stakeholders to be on the same page." 

He thus enjoined the Nigerian Shippers Council to invoke its powers to bring sanity to the industry. "The Council should in the prevailing circumstance, immediately convene a meeting with stakeholders and terminal operators to deliberate on the festering imbroglio between Freight Forwarders and Terminal Operators over the astronomical increase in terminal charges, ensure trade facilitation is not disturbed and endeavor to avoid the looming conflict at the ports."

Meanwhile, on how the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), Godwin Emefiele's monetary policy affected the economy, Aniebonam said, “The former Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele destroyed the nation’s economy with the ban on forex for importation of rice and other 42 items. Delisting those items was technically banning importation of such goods.

“This is because every import coming into Nigeria must have Form-M for statistical purposes.
What this means is that, if you do not have form ‘M’ registered for a product, the Customs will not be in a position to issue you Pre-Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR.

“You see the confusion Mr Godwin Emefiele created in the system ! Emefiele, who is not conversant with Customs laws
issued that Executive Order in ignorance, without due consultation with Nigeria Customs Service for professional advice. He acted in lack of knowledge and undue arrogance, he destroyed the economy.

“Hope is alive. Thanks to President Bola Tinubu for his wisdom in reversing that Order. With the lifting of ban on these 43 items, compliance level will increase in making declaration for customs purposes.

“Section 27 treats matters of incomplete documentation. The Customs law tells you what to do, that brings in issue of penalty. The Customs helps in that regard because the subject matter is trade. You see, Customs are the most patriotic citizens, but the implication is that, you are at mercy of Customs to do your business. You cargo can be seized under false declaration, or concealment.”

On the creation of Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the NAGAFF Founder described it as a welcome development, stating that the initiative will pave for way for Nigeria to harness enormous resources abound in that sector for the betterment of the entire economy.

Dr Aniebonam stressed that Nigeria has a lot to benefit from the new ministry, if measures are put in place to ensure appropriate implementation of policies mapped out to grow the sector.

However, he advised the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy to look at aspects of ship repairs, ship building, opening up inland waterways, tapping into the Cabotage law for Nigeria to have national carrier and other areas of specialisation should be prioritised.

MAJAN ROUNDTABLE:Freight Forwarders may resort to Enmasse Protest

 650% Increase in Port Charges: Freight Forwarders may resort to Enmasse Protest

...Warn NPA Over Tripling of Abandoned Containers

ZAINAB JUNAID

Strong indications have emerged that if the trending arbitrary 650 percent increase in port storage charges by terminal operators is not urgently reversed, freight forwarders operating at Lagos Ports will likely resort to enmasse protest on Monday and this can lead to tripling of abandoned/overtime containers.

While expressing great concern over the issue, National Coordinator, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders(NAGAFF) 100 % Complliance, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko disclosed this at Maritime Journalists Association of Nigeria(MAJAN) Round table held in Lagos on Friday adding that the process at which the 650 percent increase charge came was cunny.

To him, ,"If you want to increase the charges, no one is against that, but you must do it in a proper way. You must do extensive consultations with the Nigerian Shippers' Council(NSC), Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria ( CRFFN), the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and the major associations involved. They should have met with all these bodies,and notify them reasons for the increase in charges. We are supposed to deliberate on it and agreed on the amount to be charged. They just woke up one morning and increased rent Charges to over 650 percent".

"Before now, we were paying N1,200.00 and from that amount to over N96000.00 now. It is outrageous, it is killing!.It is totally unacceptable to us. The terminal operators are stifling trade and making life difficult for the average Nigerian, through their insensitive attitude.

He lamented over the outrageous charges incurred in the hands of Terminal operators, saying "The outrageous charges we incur in the hands of terminal operators are enormous. For instance, if you spend only 10 days in the terminal, you are going to pay not less than  N96,000.00 to N1 million. When you capture, make declaration, you now go to bank to make payments. After that you come back again and book for examination.The examination you are booking for example at APMT, will take you nothing less than 3-4 days for the container to be dropped either for scanning or physical examination."

Alhaji Tanko warned that if nothing is done to the obnoxious increment, there is possibility that the ports would be flooded with a lot of overtime containers 

"Just few days ago, NPA was complaining about abandoned, overtime containers. They should be prepared to see more overtime containers," he said.

Meanwhille, in addition to the terminal operators' charges that seems to make business unbearable for the forwarders, they still battle with the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) on benchmarking of duty, which entails payment of N7.5 million per Container.

According to Alhaji Tanko, "After paying the N7.5million, they still get another alert for other payments and anything thing can be placed on the alert. The meaning is that after examination, you need to still go back for one thing or the other: it may be amendment or matters of disclosure. If care is not taken, you may spend additional 3- 5 days on examination alone."

He further warned that the freight Forwarders would resort to the last option of total blockade of the Lagos ports by Monday , October 23, 2023, if the terminal operators fail to reverse the increment.

His words, "This is the time for war. We will face anybody who supports the increment.We will see the person as a sell- out".

The National Coordinator however, expressed disappointment with the former Acting President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents(ANLCA), Dr Kayode Farinto for allegedly supporting the increment.

He said, "Dr Kayode Farinto is one person I have great respect for, but his input in this matter,I am highly disappointed with him. For him to come out  openly and tell us that the terminal operators have right to increase charges  to over 650 per cent without consultation,am not sure that Farinto is still in this industry."

He also accused the Nigerian Shippers' Council, NSC, of connivance in the increment, demanding that NSC as the economic regulator of the ports, should clearly state their position on the matter arising.

"if the Nigerian Shippers' Council is not aware of the increment they should come out and tell us. We want to know wether they are with us or not or are with the foreigners who want to kill us," he said.

On the issue of lifting import restrictions on 43 items, Hon.Tanko praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the timely action, saying "the president has clearly identified our problem, and the impact of the policy would soon be seen in the economy."

Comptroller Oramalugo Strengthens Relationship with Police Force, Sister Agencies in Oyo

 to Enhance Service Delivery

ZAINAB JUNAID 

As part of the unwavering commitment and readiness to ensure increased collaboration and improved cordial relationship for better service delivery in the state, Customs Area Controller of the Oyo/ Osun Area Command, Comptroller Ben Oramalugo has paid a courtesy visit to the Commissioner of police CP Adebola Hamzat, Oyo State Commands of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Department of State Security (DSS), Nigeria Airforce Station (NAF), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

While Speaking at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Oyo State, on Friday October 20, 2023, Comptroller Oramalugo elaborated the core mandates of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS), as encompassing Revenue Generation, Trade Facilitation and Suppression of smuggling and emphasized the need for the Oyo/Osun Command of the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) to seek increase collaboration, strengthen the synergies with Oyo Command of Nigeria Police Force in fulfilling its mandates within the State.

He gave a brief history about the establishment of the Nigeria Police Force and the core functions the agency is saddled with, stressing that when all security agencies within the State and the Country at large, understand the respective mandates and core functions of each security agency all forms of rivalry would be curbed easily.

In response, the Commissioner of Police, CP Adebola Hamzat expressed gratitude for the CAC's courtesy visit, and assured the Customs Area Controller of his commitment to collaborate and further strengthen the already existing relationship between both security agencies.

CP Adebola made reference to various reforms that had been adopted in the Nigeria Police Force and how it has made the Force more robust and capable to perform its mandates to other security agencies and citizens of the Country in general.

Adebola further assured Oramalugo of robust synergy as there was no cause for rivalry to exist between security agencies, knowing that they jointly aimed at protecting the interest of the general public and Nigeria as a whole.

However, respective Heads of other security agencies also assured Comptroller Oramalugo of their commitment and readiness to ensure increased collaboration and cordial relationship for better service delivery in the State.