By Innocent Orok
Like a house divided against itself, which cannot stand, the unnecessary bickerings and ignorance acts by the current leadership of the association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), indicates that the foremost Clearing association has fallen to its lowest ebbs in leadership.
This bad omen came to fore again when media reports has it that both the National president and the Vice among other chieftains of the association were on different pages regarding the newly introduced 4% Processing Fees by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Whereas, the association supposed to speak with one voice or mandate its National Publicity Secretary ( NPS) to issue a statement to avoid discordance tunes and divisions , but rather it was a free for all talk.
While, the ANLCA Vice President, Prince Segun Odutan was quoted to have called on clearing Agents to resist and protest the new charge, the National President, Emenike Nwokeoji was quoted to have ordered ANLCA members not to protest, but to pay the new charge, as according to him the 4% Processing Fees is enshrined in the 2023 Customs Act.
“I am not aware that ANLCA is protesting over the increment of the CISS from one per cent to four per cent.
What I am aware of is that the ANLCA NECOM is meeting to take a decision on the increment. I, however, know that the increment is backed by the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023. The increment is in the Act. That is where they brought it from” Emenike said.
On his part, the former Acting National President of ANLCA, Dr Kayode Farinto fired his own shot by calling on the NCS to withdraw the charges, carry out sensitisation campaign for at least 90 days before implementing it. Farinto though acknowledged the fact that the charge is enshrined in the 2023 Customs Act, the Act also mandates the Customs to ensure relevant information and sensitisation to stakeholders before such charges is enforced.
“The Act clearly states that customs must ensure that all relevant information on importation, exportation, and applicable charges is made publicly available. However, we only woke up to find the new charge embedded in the system without prior notice, which is unacceptable”, Farinto lamented.
CUSTOMS SUCCUMBS TO SENSITIZATION CALL
Meanwhile,the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) in line with stakeholders collaboration and engagement, has yielded to the call by freight forwarders to carryout sensitisation campaign to educate stakeholders on the payment of the 4% Processing Fees to the NCS.
According to a press statement issued by Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, National Public Relations Officer of Customs, he said :
“The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) proudly recognises the invaluable contributions of stakeholders in shaping and actualising the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA) 2023. This landmark legislation, which replaces the long-standing Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) and other related laws is a product of extensive consultations, constructive dialogue, and collaborative efforts with key industry players, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Their insights, expertise, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in ensuring a robust legal framework that enhances efficiency, promotes innovation and strengthens transparency in customs operations.
“In line with the provisions of Section 18 (1) of NCSA 2023, the NCS is implementing a 4% charge on the Free On-Board (FOB) value of imports. The FOB charge, which is calculated based on the value of imported goods, including cost of goods and transportation expenses incurred up to the port of loading, is essential to driving the effective operation of the Service.
“Furthermore, the NCS acknowledges concerns raised by stakeholders over the sustained collection of 1% Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS)
fee (a regulatory charge imposed for funding Nigeria’s Destination Inspection
Scheme) alongside the 4% FOB charge.
As a responsive and responsible government agency, the Service wishes to assure the general public that extensive consultation is ongoing with the Federal Ministry of Finance to address all agitations raised by our esteemed stakeholders.
” Under the leadership of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale
Adeniyi, the NCS reaffirms its commitment to transparency, fair trade practices, and efficient revenue management.
All stakeholders are urged to support this legally binding initiative, as the measures introduced in alignment with the NCSA
2023 reflects a balanced approach born out of extensive consultations with industry players, importers, and regulatory bodies”, the statement said
