The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has warned its members against giving wrong information and description with the intent of shortchanging the government for the purpose of obtaining the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR).
The association which gave this warning through a press release signed by the Chairman, anti-Corruption unit of NAGAFF, Chief Increase Uche stated that it was professionally wrong to obtain a PAAR with items which were not to be found in the containers during Customs examination.
It noted that in the instance wherein well over 75% of information uploaded for the purposes of issuance of PAAR was false, those who are concerned were therefore advised and their attention called to the provisions of the Customs laws adding that NAGAFF henceforth may not wish to intervene in such matters before the Customs in times of arrest for wrong description of import.
The release read in part,” For emphasis, it has been observed that some freight forwarders and Customs officers usually assemble to contravene Customs laws leading to the noticeable non compliant attitude of practitioners.
“In the instance wherein well over 75% of information uploaded for the purposes of issuance of PAAR is false, those who are concerned are hereby advised and their attention called to the provisions of the Customs laws. NAGAFF henceforth may not wish to intervene in such matters before the Customs in times of arrest for wrong description of import. It is professionally wrong to obtain a PAAR with items which are not to be found in the containers during Customs examination. Wherein a freight forwarder
still has the opportunity to make honest declaration in the single entry declaration form for Customs purposes, it is still very important that the right thing should be done from the beginning by informing the PAAR ruling centre the exact content of the container”.
While alluding to the fact that Customs had decided to punish offenders of non disclosure of items to the extent that if what was entered in the PAAR was not found in the containers such container may be seized or the PAAR may be deemed not to be issued for that particular container, it therefore warned all NAGAFF members to imbibe the principles of best practices in carrying out their statutory duties.
“A freight forwarder must be a person of honour and integrity at all times. The way forward is to be law
abiding and we must always conduct ourselves in the best manner with due respect to rule of law and regulations guiding international business and Customs facilitation in Nigeria”, it said.
NAGAFF however reminded freight forwarders that they owe it a duty and responsibility to report any government agent who tries to use his office to intimidate and extort money from freight agents saying that there were allegations that a particular officer at Ports and Cargo had been in the habit of extorting money from agents even when the Customs examiners had properly released the cargo.
“We are keeping an eye on that office and we shall make further statements in that regard. It is most unfortunate and regrettable that the CGC, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali Rtd is yet to address issues of this nature with regard to corruption in the Customs ports and approved border stations.
“May we also remark without prejudice to the relevant Sections of CEMA as a deterrent to infractions on revenue matters, we still urge the Comptroller General of Customs to continue to adopt measures that will continue to promote and encourage trade than anti-trade actions. It is on record that PAAR is advisory, the relevance of Sections 27, 28 and 29 shall continue to be utilized in favour of Customs clearance in the absence of adequate documents”, the release stated.
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