AMJON 2023: Stakeholders task FG on critical measures to sustain viable transborder trade for national economic growth

AMJON 2023: Stakeholders task FG on  critical measures to sustain viable transborder trade for national economic growth

ZAINAB JUNAID

Stakeholders have kicked against the woes of Nigeria's mono cultural economy and called for urgent Panacea by the Federal Government to steer the country away from its critical state.

Speaking at the 5^th edition of Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria(AMJON) Annual Conference and Awards held at Rockview Hotel, Lagos, on Thursday, December 14, 2023, they maintained that the huge infrastructural deficit causing set back should be urgently addressed.

President of the Association, Paul Ogbuokiri expressed concern over the poor state of the Country’s mono-cultural economy which needs urgent attention of the Federal Government to steer the country away from its crisis state.

In his welcome address, he emphasized that Nigeria’s Balance of Trade year in year out has always been unfavorable, saying "our crude oil has become encumbered as a large portion goes into payment of debts and we are left with little or no foreign exchange to finance our imports."

“When economists listed the dangers of a mono economy, it sounded like a song meant mainly for entertainment; even with the occasional fall of the price of crude oil in the international market which usually shocks our economy whenever it happens. But we normally forget once the price goes up again and things normalize. As such, beyond sloganeering, we have never seemed to bother ourselves with the fact that our Balance of Trade year in year out has been unfavorable to us.

“Now the shock has become permanent because our crude oil has become encumbered, a large portion of it now goes into payment of debts acquired and squandered by politicians, while the other portion is being stolen by powerful people; we are therefore left with little or no foreign exchange to finance our necessary and unnecessary imports.

Amjon President added that though President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR hit the ground running with different strategies and appointments in order to rectify the woes of the economy since he assumed office, there is still need to re-strategize more on full local production for our consumption as done in the 70s and 80s.

“As we strongly believe that trade in non-oil exports holds the key to Nigeria’s economic survival, particularly with regard to intra-African trade. With platforms like Economic Community of West Africa States-ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS), African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the recent deal between the Customs Administrations of Nigeria and Benin Republic. We believe that discussions should center on trans-border trade between our country and its neighbours with the view to identifying any encumbrance that could hamper trade now or in the future. When we focus more on our local produce for consumption, we can sell the excess to other countries for our forex needs,” he said.

Also speaking on 'The Role of Customs Brokers in Sustaining a Viable Trans Border Trade for National Economic Growth',  Barrister Ikechukwu Ukadike, a Maritime Lawyer ably representing Mr Iju Anthony, a Maritime Consultant and Pioneer Chairman, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), suggested that the Federal Government should consider giving a percentage of the Customs Revenue to customs brokers inorder to enhance their productivity.

Nwabunike emphasized that the method will bring a win-win situation for government and the brokers as more revenue would be collected.

“It will also reduce the stress of deploying risk management tools like post clearance audits, alerts and Demand Notices (DN) to prevent revenue loss," he said.

He made the suggestion against the backdrop of the comment made by the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on proposed six trillion revenue target for 2024.

"For 2024, the Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service recently said the service aims to collect six trillion naira for government.

"Out of this projected  collection, 4trillion naira will likely be made through customs brokers".

"Giving them a percentage will solidify their stake and  would enhance their productivity as their benefits would be dependent on what they made for the government" he concluded.

However, the event was also graced with award presentation ceremony to most outstanding stakeholders in the industry, among whom are -HRH Eze, Dr. Oliver Chinedu Ohanweh, who was presented with the 2023 Excellent Leadership Award; Comrade Akinola Oladele Bodunde; Jibril Dardau, GM NIWA Corporate Affairs; Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, General Manager, Lagos Waterways Authority (LASWA); Ubong Essien, Dean, School of Eloquence; Barrister Olabisi Adetola;

 

 

 

African Women's Basketball: Nigeria Customs Defeats University de Douglas 57-46

...Dominates AWBL Zone III Qualifiers with Convincing Victories

ZAINAB JUNAID 

The Nigeria Customs Service basketball club demonstrated their prowess, securing a commendable 57-46 victory over Universite de Douala in a thrilling African Women's Basketball League 2023 Zone III Qualification match held in Alexandria, Egypt.

Under the guidance of Coach Abdulrahman Mohamed, the Nigeria team seized control early, clinching the first and second quarters (12-11, 20-8) to establish a commanding 13-point lead at halftime.

Team Captain and 2023 Afrobasket winner, D’Tigress player delivered a stellar performance, recording a double-double of 20 points and 19 rebounds, along with 4 assists, 4 steals, and three blocks, finishing with an impressive efficiency rating of 32. Olaoluwatomi Taiwo contributed 14 points and 4 rebounds.

Customs showcased their dominance on the boards, outrebounding their opponents 62-42 and displaying superior teamwork with a 19-7 advantage in assists.

Next up, Nigeria Customs will face off against Kenya Port Authority on Wednesday in a highly anticipated showdown.

In a separate development at the MO Arena, Abuja, the Nigeria Customs Women's Basketball Club triumphed over the MFM Basketball Club of Lagos in a closely contested match, securing victory with a final score of 55-49.

Captain Nkem Akarawe's outstanding performance, including a back-to-back double of 16 rebounds and 15 points, was pivotal in their success. Despite a resilient effort from MFM in the first quarter, Nigeria Customs maintained their composure to emerge victorious.

Speaking after the match, Captain Nkem Akarawe commended CGC Adewale Adeniyi MFR for supporting the club, acknowledging the challenges faced, and expressing gratitude for his unwavering support.

CAC Alade Attributes N4.6Bn revenue collected to good motivation from NCS mgt,

aggressive stakeholders engagement

ZAINAB JUNAID

Customs Area Controller of Ogun 11 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, Compt. Olushola Bisi Alade, has attributed 24.8% increase in revenue generated for September and October 2023 compared to that recorded in the same period in 2022 to good motivation from the Service Management which has boosted the morale of officers and kept them in high spirits at all times.

The Command had generated Four Billion, six hundred and Twenty-Seven Million, Fifty-Four Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty-One Naira, Sixty Nine Kobo (N4,627,054,451.69) for September and October 2023, which is 24.8% higher than what the Command generated in the corresponding period in 2022.

Speaking at his first media briefing with journalists, stakeholders and business community in the Command on Tuesday December 12, 2023, Comptroller Alade added that other factors that led to this revenue feat are aggressive stakeholders engagement and continuous deployment of intelligence in the Command’s operations.

"Aggressive engagement led by me which include visits and parleys with other security/government agencies in Ogun State really added value; Secondly, continuous deployment of intelligence in the Command’s operations which led to the discovery of some factories- Glamour Foods & Consult (Nig) Ltd; Abraham & Sarah Beverages (Nig)Ltd;  Cafro Group of Company IV. Sprout & Kings (Nig) Ltd, also contributed alot to the revenue generated."

"Infact, we just concluded a three phased tour of the factories and the two free trade zones (FTZ), Ceplast and Ogun Guangdong Free trade zone within the command jurisdiction: This is in tandem with our commitment to enhance collaboration among the different stakeholders in the supply chain and subsequently to improve our performance and operational relationships. It is a fresh opportunity for a cordial working relationship between the service and the stakeholders.

"Also, on assumption of duty, the monitoring team of the command was re-invigorated to brace up for an upliftment in our revenue drive. The monitoring Team has succeeded in bringing more factories under Excise control," he explained. 

Appreciating critical stakeholders, whose continuous collaborative efforts and cooperation with the Service have contributed to the Success of the Command, Comptroller Alade affirmed that the Command will continue to dialogue, engage, and sensitize the local and business communities while discharging its statutory responsibilities of enforcing compliance with government fiscal policies. 

NCS Investigates viral video of alleged misconduct of a Custom Officer at MMIA, Lagos

NCS Investigates viral video of alleged misconduct of a Custom Officer at MMIA, Lagos

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service has commenced investigation of a viral video revealing an incident at Murtala Muhammed International Airport(MMIA)Lagos, where an officer of the Service was observed soliciting ₦5000 bribe in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures from a passenger.

This development was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement made available to journalists by Spokesperson of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada, saying the behavior has rightfully raised public concern, and the Service is committed to ensuring full accountability.

Preliminary investigation according to Maiwada revealed that the incident transpired at New Terminal, within the departure hall of MMIA, Lagos, and was captured on video by the involved passenger.

“The recording reveals an inappropriate request for ₦5000 in exchange for expeditious processing of customs procedures.

“We wish to confirm that the Officer implicated is indeed a member of the Nigeria Customs Service, properly assigned to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Area Command.

“The NCS strongly condemns this unprofessional conduct and is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism. A comprehensive investigation is underway to scrutinize the incident thoroughly, and appropriate actions will be taken.

“Such behavior is entirely inconsistent with the core values of our service, and we are resolute in maintaining a transparent and accountable customs operation.

“We encourage passengers and the public to report any instances of misconduct or corruption promptly. These reports are crucial in upholding the integrity of our service and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest ethical standards. The NCS is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. The outcome of the investigation will be communicated to the public at the earliest opportunity,” he said.

NIMASA, NAVY strengthen ties to combat illegal fishing

NIMASA, NAVY strengthen ties to combat illegal fishing

ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to deepen the relationship between Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA), Dr Bashir Jamoh OFR, and the Nigeria Navy, the Director General of NIMASA has paid a working visit to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral E I Ogala, for the collective good of the Nigeria Maritime Industry.

DG NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh and Vive Admiral E I Ogala 

At the NAVAL headquarters Abuja, the dou related mostly on the Illegal unreported and unregulated fishing and strategies more on how Nigerians will enjoy the benefits of natural resources in the Maritime industry.

They also focused on areas of collaboration to ensure the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, in creating the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry are achieved in good time.

 

Increase Exchange Rate: Customs assures efficient service delivery

...set to optimize trade facilitation

ZAINAB JUNAID 

          Guests at the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the League of Maritime Editors(LOME) on Thursday, November 7,2023 in Lagos.

The Customs Area Controller of TinCan Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Comptroller Dera Nnadi has assured freight forwarders and the trading community that TinCan Command will optimize service delivery and facilitate trade inorder to reduce the effects of the sudden increase in exchange rate on their businesses.

Comptroller Nnadi stated this while fielding questions from guests at the Silver Jubilee celebration of the League of Maritime Editors(LOME) held on Thursday, November 7, 2023 in Lagos.

It could be recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN had on Thursday morning increased the exchange rate for the calculation of customs duty from seven hundred and eighty three naira, one hundred and seventy four Kobo (N783. 174k) per dollar to nine hundred and fifty one naira, nine hundred and forty one Kobo (N951.941) per dollar. An indication of an upsurge in the cost of clearing cargoes at the nation’s seaports.

While fielding questions after delivering paper on “The new customs act and it’s implication on trade”, Comptroller Nnadi assured the freight forwarders that his command would try to facilitate trade where delays are experienced in customs processes to make up for the sudden increase in exchange rate.

“We will try and facilitate trade so that whatever little thing you would have paid as demurrage can be used to make up for this and that’s the one I can manage. The other ones, the Nigeria Customs Service cannot manage it because it’s a function of the federal government’s directive,” he said.

Relaying how the upsurge also affects officials of NCS, Comptroller Nnadi said, “There’s no supermarket where they sell customs’ bread, all of us buy from the same place. Everything that happens to the economy affects customs officers too. And for your information, I am sure you have contacts or friends who relate with you, I have seen the National Vice President of ANLCA here,I am sure your members may have called you.

“Just before I came here, I addressed the issue that Funso alluded to. We woke up this morning, remember I used the word “we”, that tells you that the Nigeria Customs … We woke up this morning and found out that the exchange rate which is the yardstick for collection of customs duty, which before June/July, was four hundred and twenty naira, per dollar. By July, it jumped down to seven hundred and seventy five naira per dollar, shortly after, it jumped down to seven hundred and seventy eight naira per dollar. This morning, it increased to nine hundred and fifty one point, nine four one per dollar.

“We understand the implications of this to trade bearing in mind that letters of credit have been opened, contracts have been signed, supply requirements have been made, people have negotiated business transactions and decisions on business have been taken based on the existing exchange rate. And we recognized the import of this exchange rate adjustment especially when it is done without a prior notice on trade.

“Before I came here, Prince Segun Oduntan, can ask his members, I addressed freight forwarders in Tincan Island Port this morning. It was part of the reason I came in late. I had to address freight forwarders this morning and I asked my Secretary to prepare a press statement for me and told him what to write that I will give to the media. It is good that I am here now.

“We recognize what the Nigerian business Community is going through now but there is little we can do about fiscal and monetary policies, our role is to implement them. We didn’t make them up but we align ourselves with government policies. Every government decision taken is for the collective interest of the nation and I expect that we must all abide by it. “What I expect that we should do as customs now, which I told the freight forwarders and the clearing agents this morning is that, to mitigate the impact of what they are going to go through in the next few days because of this, we are aware that having charged their clients, the importers what it will cost them to clear these goods, and then, with this sudden increase in exchange rate, if they go back to those importers, the importers may find it difficult to raise the money to give to them to make up. In the course of that, there may be delays and demurrage will be incurred on those cargoes.

“So, on my own part as customs, what I told the clearing agents this morning, before I came here was that, we will optimize our service delivery.”

The CAC maintained that “it is expected that Nigerians should understand that most of our trade activities are highly subsidized. There are no two ways about it. I served in Seme, and I know that every morning, it was very easy for people from Benin Republic to trek into Nigeria to buy items and go back. That does not mean that one will support that there should be an increase in our tariff regimes and rates all the time, but I also expect that Nigerians should be patriotic enough to obey government policies when they are issued because every government policy is always issued in the best interest of the nation.”

On the apprehension that the development may fuel smuggling of goods into the country, Nnadi quipped, “Of course, for every customs officer, not just in Nigeria but globally, one of our greatest challenges is trying to manage trade facilitation with issues of compliance. It’s very difficult but then, that’s why we are in the port, that’s why we are customs officers.

“The issue of forty three items that were denied access to Forex threw up so many challenges in the system and we tried to address it and we did address it. So, if this one also drops another challenge, the same way we addressed the other one, we will also address this. So, don’t be discouraged," he advised.

 

Comrade Adeyanju Bags Professional Associate Award

Comrade Adeyanju Bags Professional Associate Award

ZAINAB JUNAID 

President General, Maritime Workers' Union of Nigeria(MWUN), Comrade(Prince) Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, fnli's natural Prosperity for settling disputes and resolving conflicts calmly without recourse to threat has earned him a professional associate award from the National Association of Government Approved Freight forwarders(NAGAFF).

The award was conferred on him at NAGAFF 24years anniversary and award celebration held on Friday December 8, 2023 at Rockview Hotels, Apapa, Lagos.

Comrade Adeyanju who doubles as the Deputy President Nigeria Labour Congress and also the Chairman, International Transport Workers Federation (ITF),Seafarers Session, Africa, is always committing himself wholeheartedly to work while ensuring that assignments were implemented to dockworkers as at when due and this has been a virtue that has endeared him to all who came in contact with him.

His brilliance as a grievance manager is rooted in his class capacity for articulation as well as enormous propensity for deep and original thinking.

"He is different things to different people, severally described as compassionate, philanthropist, nationalist, a bridge builder,devout Muslim, reformist, administrator, patriot and keeper of the conscience of the workers.

"His understanding and capacity to handle issues of conflicts without fear endeared him to his colleagues, as a leader, he has a remarkable capacity to interact across class divides and also mixes well with different people without losing his essential values and orientation, a lover of peace," NAGAFF said.

Comrade  Adeyanju deserves such award as he has not only trained his mind to be methodical and organized which has made him absorb and process complex details at once but has successfully led changes, innovations, built bridges and mended fences since his inception as President General.

He gradually becomes a new light shining through his personality, illuminating new paths and new frontiers.