NCS Unveils AEO to Simplify Trade in Nigeria

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) on Wednesday, 2nd August 2023, unveiled another roadmap towards simplifying trade in Nigeria through fast-tracking of compliant traders in line with the World Customs Organization protocol.

The project, which is called ‘Authorised Economic Operators’ (AEO), has the protection of the new Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023 and will be designed to systematically identify tolerable risks affecting the importation of legitimate goods into Nigeria.

During a presentation on the modalities of implementation at Customs Headquarters Abuja, the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi MFR, re-echoed his commitment to tackling challenges bedevilling trade facilitation in Nigeria.

The CG, however, said that compliant traders and businesses of significant benefits should embrace will benefit from the innovation, assuring that it will be a game-changer in the realm of trade facilitation.

It is also believed that AEO Project will contribute to ease of doing business across various sectors and attract investors into the Country.

The process, which is expected to improve security and efficiency in fast-tracking goods, will reduce turnaround time for importers and double up the chances of generating revenue, which according to CGC, will strengthen the mutual recognition between the Service and stakeholders.

Some of the benefits that AEO brings are reducing examination and priority examination, amongst others.

SAHCO Port Harcourt Station Receives ISAGO Certification

ZAINAB JUNAID

Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) PLC’s Port Harcourt station has recently been certified by International Air Transport Association Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).

ISAGO is an aviation specific audit for the global oversight of ground handling service providers (GHSPs) and it focuses on the standardization of operational procedures and management thereby increasing harmonization of best practices among the ground handling stakeholders.

Adetola Vanessa Uansohia (Mrs), Head Corporate Communications of the company disclosed this in a statement stating that by this certification, it means that SAHCO’s Port Harcourt International Airport station has continued to model its operations to ISAGO standards, as a result making a commitment to continue to operate on globally accepted industry best practices.

The Audit cuts across Organization and Management (ORM), Aircraft Handling and Loading (HDL), Aircraft Ground Movement (AGM), Cargo and Mail Handling (CGM).

As already pledged to its clients (current and prospective), the company has resolved to continually provide quality and efficient Passenger, Ramp and Cargo Handling Services in line with best practices and the highest International Standards to the delight of its customers and benefit of all stakeholders, utilizing State-of-the-art equipments, skills, procedures and facilities, and employing a dedicated workforce who are highly skilled.

ISAGO audit is essential to promote safe ground operations and understanding of high-risk areas within ground operations, the audit also eliminates redundant audits from airlines thereby promoting a uniform audit process and harmonized standards that improve quality standards in Aviation Ground Handling.

 It could be recalled that SAHCO recently held its 13th Annual General Meeting where the Chairman Dr. Taiwo Afolabi promised better dividends for the shareholders of the company for the current financial year ending Dec. 31, 2023.

FOU Zone A Command Arrests 13 Suspects

Intercepts 50 Contrabands Worth ₦462.7M DPV in July

ZAINAB JUNAID

As part of continuous efforts to suppress smuggling and safeguard national security, the Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has arrested 13 suspects in connection with 50 contrabands which worth a Duty Paid Value(DPV) of Four Hundred and Sixty-Two Million, Seven Hundred and Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Five Naira (N462,708,875) in the month of July 2023.

The seizures weere made within the period under review for non-compliance with the extant Customs laws.

Customs Area Controller of the unit, Hussein Ejibunu disclosed this yesterday adding that the sum of Sixty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, Three Hundred and Fourty-Six Naira, Fourty-One Kobo (N66,493,346.41) was recovered as revenue into the federation account through the issuance of demand notices (DN) on Customs duties that were discovered to be underpaid.

CAC Ejibunu said this feat was in recognition of the responsibility bestowed on the Federal Operations Unit to suppress smuggling, block revenue leakages, facilitate legitimate trade, collect revenue and contribute to national security. 

He listed the siezed items to include among others- 5,642 X 50kg bags of foreign parboiled rice (equivalent to 9 trailer loads); 18,925 litres (757 X 25 litres jerry cans of premium motor spirit); 20 pieces of pistol pouches; 15 pieces of bulletproof jackets; 15 pieces of jack knives; 49 cartons of children school shoes; 181(87 kg) parcels of Indian Hemp; 357 kegs X 5 litres of vegetable oil; 1 unit of Honda Motorcycle; 2 used (Tokumbo) vehicles.

According to him, "The arrested suspects are currently at different stages of investigations and prosecution. I will also hand over three (3) suspects and cannabis sativa with a net weight of 7,728 kilogrammes to officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Lagos State Command for further investigation and prosecution.

“It is pertinent to know that the importation of all forms of bulletproof materials such as vests, ballistic materials and vehicles, as well as parts and accessories for all military armaments and hardware such as guns, arms and ammunition of all kinds; lethal and non-lethal requires an end-user certificate.

”An end-user certificate is applied to, and issued by the office of the national security adviser which loses its validity after one year from the issuance date. The FOU boss said anyone importing a controlled item must do so within the validity period of the end-user certificate. 

“Seizures recorded within the period under review are a reflection of officers’ commitment to duty, and no compromise posture in the discharge of our statutory responsibilities; aimed at protecting the national economy and preventing the importation of prohibited, and harmful goods.

“This success story will not be complete without my expression of gratitude to the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR whose maiden working visit to the Unit was a morale booster.

“I also use this medium to thank him and members of the management team for stoking our logistics for more gainful performance," he said.

Modular Floating Dock

NIMASA Takes Over Continental Shipyard, Eyes ₦1bn Revenue Monthly

ZAINAB JUNAID

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency(NIMASA) has taken over areas leased to it by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) at the Continental Shipyard for the operations of the Modular Operating Dock.

Edward Osagie, NIMASA’s spokesman, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday adding that the areas taken over include but not limited to the dolphin jetty, waterfront of the jetty adjourning the slipway, an administrative block, a construction, welding and mechanical workshop and a civil maintenance workshop, among others.

During the handover ceremony, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, said that the handover of the Continental Shipyard to NIMASA marks the final lap in the quest of the Agency to deploy the modular floating Dockyard.

Jamoh, who was represented by the Head, Public, Private Partnership, (PPP) Unit Mr. Kabiru Diso , assured stakeholders that the Modular Floating Dockyard would soon be deployed since all grey areas between NIMASA and the NPA have been cleared.

“The Modular Floating Dockyard is a national asset and now that all grey areas between the NPA and NIMASA have been addressed, we are very close to deploying the Modular Floating Dock. Our goal is to domicile dry-docking of vessels in the country thus saving the nation foreign exchange currently expended on dry-docking vessels outside the shores of Nigeria.

“The floating Dock will also provide both direct and indirect employment to Nigerians with a multiplier effect on capacity development,” he said.

The Infrastructure Concession and Regulatory Commission, (ICRC) had issued a certificate of compliance for an Outline Business Case (OBC) for the operation of the floating dock, while also describing it as bankable and sustainable.

The Modular Floating Dock, which has the capacity to handle up to 10,000 Metric Tons of vessels, would be run on a Public Private Partnership arrangement and is capable of generating one billion naira monthly when it start full operation.

Customs CG Bashir Adeniyi Meets NACCIMA, UBA Delegates

  to Promote Trade in Nigeria

ZAINAB JUNAID

In a bid to foster a shared and better future of trade in Nigeria through collaboration with relevant organizations, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, received delegations from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and United Bank for Adrica (UBA).

The delegates in a seperate meeting with the CGC were led by Mr.Dele Kelvin Oye, President of NACCIMA and Mr.Kayode Fashola, Non Executive Director UBA respectively, at the Headquarters of the Service on Tuesday, 2nd August 2023.

While speaking, NACCIMA President felicitated with the CGC over his appointment and commended his exceptional steps of leading the Nigeria Customs Service to a significant level that will help enhance and regulate trade industries in the country.

Mr.Kelvin reminded the CGC of the issues surrounding the certificate of origin, affirming that NACCIMA is determined to support the Nigeria Customs Service in all ramifications.

Customs Comptroller-General, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, gave assurance of the Service to collaborate with NACCIMA to succeed in facilitating trade.

He restated that his leadership is committed to strengthening the collaboration between the Service and stakeholders for the benefit of Nigerians, adding that the Service will join hands with NACCIMA to organize a Sensitization Workshop for the two parties.

On the new Nigeria Customs Service  Act, 2023, the President besought the CG to sensitize their members; the CGC assured the president of Customs' total commitment to involve them in the area. 

Meanwhile, the Non-Executive Director of UBA, Kayode Fashola, in a seperate meeting with the Comptroller General of Customs, congratulated the CGC on his appointment while and also informed him of their commitment to strengthen the cordial relationship between Customs and their firm.

The Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, on his part, appreciated the delegation's timely visit and guaranteed them of the Service’s commitment to deepen their partnership.

Apapa Customs Generates N540b Revenue in Seven Months

ZAINAB JUNAID

Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) has generated a total of N540,431,401,641 revenue from January to July 2023.

Abubakar Usman, Public Relations Officer of the command disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists on customs/media platform today. 

The statement reads that Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Mohammed Auwal, sued for compliance and teamwork while at a farewell session with senior officers of the command.

ACG Mohammed Auwal, who until Friday July 28, 2023 was Customs Area Controller of Apapa Command, charged the officers on teamwork and full compliance as it is the bedrock of port efficiency.

He also appreciated their performance especially on the revenue collected so far as it depicted level of leakage prevention at the port, zero compromise for duty evasion and due diligence in the face of reduced volume of trade.

While thanking the officers and stakeholders for their support, the ACG described the various interventions such as demand notices to recover identified shortfalls in revenue as helpful.

He specifically commended them for the revenue of N119,049,235,263 collected for the month of July 2023, which is presently the highest monthly revenue made by the command. N95b collected in January and August 2022 has been the highest monthly collection so far before the ₦119bn was collected this July.

However, on his new promotion, ACG Mohammed thanked the officers, other government agencies, and members of the Apapa port community for their cooperation throughout his time as Area Controller.

"The job of preventing prohibited items such as arms, ammunition, illicit drugs, and others under the import and export prohibition lists from entering or exiting the country through Apapa port was treated as a collective duty under his watch, he said. 

He described inter-agency synergy and intelligence sharing as the first giant step in defeating criminals who seek to use ports for their unlawful activities.

To him, " Compliance is one word that appeals to both government and private sector stakeholders because we are all governed by rules to which we owe duty to obey."

"Apapa port holds potential to handle the highest volume of trade in West and Central Africa with the possibility of being a trade hub for seamless cargo movement if importers, agents, and freight forwarders comply by making sincere declarations and avoiding smuggling".

ACG Muhammed Auwal was officially decorated with his new ACG rank on Monday, July 31 2023, by the Ag. Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR in Abuja.

NSC, FCCPC Collaborate to enhance CPR Scheme

.... Organise Sensitization Programme 

ZAINAB JUNAID 

As part of the vision to establish and enhance Consumer Protection Regime scheme in the Shipping and Ports sector in Nigeria, Nigerian Shippers Council(NSC) and the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission(FCCPC) have jointly organized a sensitization Programme to achieve this goal. 

The programme which was first in the series of sensitization programmes scheduled to hold in order to enlighten the stakeholders of their rights and responsibilities in the course of carrying out their activities at the port was held at RockView Hotel, Apapa, Lagos on Tuesday 1st August, 2023.

Hon. Emmanuel Jime, Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NSC, ably represented at the event by Mrs Ada Okam, Director, Human Resources Management Department, while delivering the welcome address said the sensitization exercise is in line with part 5.1.5 of the Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) signed by both NSC and FCCPC on Thursday, 20th of January 2022, which states that parties shall jointly or individually, sensitize and enlighten the consumers and stakeholders on the rights and responsibilities in relation to shipping matters. 

He explained that both parties planned to conduct sensitization exercise at various port and inland locations to get necessary inputs from stakeholders on how the industry can operate seamlessly with little or no infringement on rights of users and providers of Shipping and  Port Services. 

"This is to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along in the process of developing the CPR so as to build trust and confidence before rolling out the scheme," he noted. 

In reference to the MoU signed by the two parties, Jime recalled that on Thursday, 20th of January 2022, the NSC in Abuja at the CFCCPC Headquarters signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Commission to collaborate and work together on specific areas of concern to both agencies in the shipping and ports industry. 

The idea, according to him, was to bring sanity in the conduct of shipping and ports business to ensure harmony, fair trade practices and efficiency in the sector.

He confirmed that with the MoU, both parties is set to achieve an effective collaboration in the protection of providers and consumers of shipping and ports services with a view to establishing a Consumer Protection Regime (CPR) in the shipping and ports sector in Nigeria. 

Going further, this cooperation and collaboration in the discharge of our respective functions will entail: 'The encouragement of competition and consumer protection; prosecution of erring service providers and users on related matters; sharing of information and intelligence, consumer education and awareness as well as enforcement and compliance.

"The CPR when instituted will address infringements by service providers and users in the industry as well as enthrone sanity and fair-trade practices in the system

"As we are all aware, the shipping industry comprises of various players who in the course of daily transactions are bound to trample and infringe on each other's rights. These players have rights that are spelt out in the FCCPC Act to include, among others:

1) The right to be informed about the quality, quantity, potency, standards and charges/rates of services as the case may be so as to protect the consumer against unfair trade practices.

2) The right to be assured wherever possible, access to variety of services at competitive prices

3) The right to seek redress against unfair trade practices or restrictive trade practices or unscrupulous exploitation of consumers of shipping services

4) The right to consumer education, enlightenment and information on services availability

"The sector as at today looks as if there is chaos everywhere. However, when the CPR becomes fully operational, we expect a change of behavior in the conduct of shipping and ports business in Nigeria," he outlined.

He reiterated the commitment of the NSC to participants present at the event that it will continue to remain fair, neutral, unbiased, provide a level playing field in its capacity as the port economic regulator. 'We shall remain open to consultation and will ensure that critical decision in the port and shipping sector are arrived at by consensus opinion of stakeholders,' he maintained.

On his part, the Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Mr. Babatunde Irukera maintained that consumers’rights should be protected and must be paramount in most of the discussions at the event.

Irukera who was represented at the sensitization exercise by Mr. Tam Tamunokobia, Director, Legal Services FCCPC, while commending the Executive Secretary and Council for the collaboration initiative, opined that the collaboration would help reduce the issue of fighting among agencies and consumers would benefit more if there is collaboration among agencies.

“We must ensure that the consumer is protected. The issue of consumers should be uppermost in our minds. Secondly, to that effect, we need to choose a frontier of our cooperation and collaboration.

"On this note I will like to commend the Executive Secretary and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for collaborating with us. We need to collaborate effectively. I have looked ath the Shippers’ Council Act, I have looked at our Act and in both cases, collaboration is highlighted.

“Where there is effective collaboration, there is no room for fighting, when we collaborate, the consumers will be the beneficiaries," he maintained.

The subject discussed at the event ,however provided avenue for stakeholders at the event to give feedbacks on infringements of rights and possible areas that need improvement if necessary.