CEM REPORT, MARITIME | 7,000 containers risk removal by the Nigerian Customs Service, (NCS) in a move to decongest ports across the country.
The containers classified as overtime cargoes are said to have been trapped in the ports for years occupying economic space.
The decongestion move abides within the new Customs Act’s provisions signed by former President Mohammed Buhari six months ago, said Abdullahi Maiwada, spokesman to the service.
“It’s worth noting that approximately six months ago, the new NCS Act received former President Mohammed Buhari’s signature, ushering in substantial modifications to the previous protocols governing the disposal of overtime cargo.
“The Act also stipulates that goods must be disposed of through public auction or tender to be widely publicized in advance through national newspapers, television, and the service’s official website.”
Committee
A committee chaired by a senior officer from the Customs will carry out an evaluation of containers in ports across the country and dispose of containers that have exceeded their allotted time within the ports.
Other members of the committee include representatives from the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Service (DSS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control, a representative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, among others.
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Commenting on the move, the delighted General Manager at the MD’s office, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Durowaiye Ayodele, noted that the move is a significant relief for stakeholders’ operations.
“We have containers that have been there for over ten years, occupying economic space for which we are unable to dispose of. We are delighted that we have reached a point where we can begin to remove some of these lingering containers and overdue cargo from the port,” he added.
