Fed govt finally succumbs to Customs agents on border reopening

…as NASS assures its oversight functions ‘ll not conflict with Customs’ …

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

Owing to the recent series of discussions between the federal government and the foremost Customs agents, Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents(NLCA), on the closed Nigerian land borders , hope of reopening the borders seems on the way.

The National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agent (ANLCA) Hon. Iju Tony Nwabunike,in a statement made available to Nation Update said this has become necessary in order to discourage operations of smugglers and for Nigerian business community to utilize the gains of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The association further reminded the government that Nigeria will be shut out of trade with proximate West and Central African countries such as; Benin Republic, Cameroun, Chad and Niger Republic when the AfCFTA hopefully take off from January 2021 with secretariat in Accra Ghana.

ANLCA said  it has secured the assurances of the Federal Government on the need to effect gradual reopening of the closed borders with particular focus on rules of origin to prevent abuses of incentives like the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS).

Nwabunike therefore called on customs to adopt modern technology in the discharge of their duties, to neighbouring communities yo be committal to the rules of engagement  and to NIgeria importers to be discipline in their conduct.

He stated: “We posit that for Nigeria Customs service to be In tune with international best practices it should allow Micro Chip shoot on every container along the ECOWAS route into the country.

Goods laden trucks parked at the Nigerian closed borders

“It was observed as an issue of utmost concern that cargoes on transit and mobile assets like trucks laden with goods worth over N130b belonging to private business people were trapped since August 18, 2019 when the borders were shut under a joint operation, codenamed “Exercise Swift Response”.

“Most of the goods with perishable timelines have either been destroyed due to expiry periods or damaged beyond redemption as a result of exposure to unfavorable elements.

“ANLCA findings also confirm vandalism, theft and arson on some of the trucks and goods they carry, therefore causing great losses to many struggling business men and women.

“Of note is the over 10,000 direct and indirect jobs that have been lost so far due to this policy, which in our view , should have been approached and implemented differently.”

On the allegations of National Assembly members interference in cargo clearing as part of its oversight functions, the ANCLA President said it has interacted with them and has got their assurance of non  interface.

The  members of the Senate Committee on Customs and Excise headed by Senator Francis Alimikhena he said has maintained that it negates due process for lawmakers to be involved in cargo clearing.

“whereas the oversight functions of the lawmakers cannot be wished away on the executive arm of government and any of its agents, the day to day operation of duty collection, cargo examination, issuance of demand notices (when necessary) and effecting seizures for due infractions rest with the Nigeria Customs Service”.

Part of the discussion include the incontrovertible fact that the functions of NCS officers as provided in the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) cannot be performed by any person or body not authorized to act so.

“Our message to all customs brokers, freight forwarders, logistics operators and haulage companies is to remain calm in the face of imminent review of government policies to accommodate their line of businesses and expand opportunities for their growth.

“They should expect lights at the end of the tunnel and be prepared to take full legitimate advantages that the adjusted regime will usher in.

“ANLCA will continue to pursue the interest of our members in the areas of operational challenges, and seeking amicable resolutions to trade disputes arising from government policies and other stakeholder’s actions”, he stated.