Customs Go Tough on Touts, Ready for DI

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) yesterday said it would henceforth operate a zero-tolerance for touts’ policy restricting their entrances into the nation’s seaports, while controversy continues to rage over the handling over of ‘destination inspection’ at Nigeria’s sea ports from private consultants to Customs’ services linger, the Lagos.

 
Tunji Aremu, the Lagos Tin-Can Island Port Customs Command’s Area Controller said at a news conference in Lagos that “the touts hinder free flow of business.”


“Those that do not have anything to do in the ports but disturb the genuine agents will be dealt with very soon” said Aremu.


He stated that the “era of anything goes,” in the Tin-Island Port Command was long gone. “Everything is done in the right perspective. It is a different port right now and this can be seen from the revenue generated.”


The ports’ Customs controller advised importers to always make the correct declarations on their document, stressing that this would help achieve the 48 hours cargo clearance target.


“Twenty four hours is even feasible, only if importers can be truthful. When an importer declares 500 items in a container and on physical inspection, 1,000 items are found; then the document has to go for query and amendment, and also for time wasted,” he emphasized.


The controller said that the NCS was ready to take over from the contractors of destination inspection by June, 2013.


“Our officers are still undergoing training and retraining and I am sure by June, we will be ready for the work,” Aremu enthused.