The National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu has threatened to petition the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over continued diversion of vehicles promptly cleared from Seme Border Command of the Nigeria Customs Service to Idiroko or Ijebu-Ode by the operatives of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone, Ikeja.
Shittu who made this known in a meeting with the Customs Area Controller, Seme Area Command, Comptroller Victor Dimka at Seme Tuesday disclosed that vehicles promptly cleared at Seme command were being accosted by FOU officials at Ijebu-Ode and subsequently taken to Idiroko or Abeokuta where Demand Notice (DN) would be raised on the vehicles wondering how a declaration promptly captured and officially released at Seme command could be recaptured at Idiroko or elsewhere if not for fraudulent and revenue diversion.
On the issue of the ban on the importation of rice through the Seme border with its attendant hardship on clearing agents, the National President stated that it was beyond everyone- the CAC, CGC and even Ministers adding that it was the hope of Nigerians that the federal government would reverse the ban, more so that even with the ban, rice still flood Nigerian markets, thereby depriving government of the much needed revenue for the welfare and development of Nigeria.
Responding, the CAC, Comptroller Dimka was surprised that such a practice was going on in his command, promising to investigate and, put a final stop to it.
On the camp boys’ issue, he reasoned that the use of camp boys was practiced formerly because of shortage of manpower noting that it was now a thing of the past even as he added that with the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) compliance and a preponderance of well trained and qualified officers, the practice should have been extinct by now.
Comptroller Dimka promised to look into the matter critically, with a view to stopping the practice of the use of camp boys by officers forthwith.
The Customs Chief revealed that the only checkpoint known to him was the one he established at Gbaji – just before the bridge – en route Lagos from Seme.
It will be recalled that of the 18 checkpoints mounted on this route, only two stayed, when the CGC visited Seme on transit to Benin Republic, only for the 18 or more checkpoint to resurface immediately he departed via the same route. Of note, is the barefaced extortion of traders at these checkpoints.
The CAC informed members of ANLCA who visited him that the Minister of Finance was taking a second look at the auto policy, with a view to reviewing it downwards.
He also promised to call to order one of his officers by name Linus.
Comptroller Dimka, who always prides himself as a member of ANLCA, promised to roll out a circular to all customs officers and agents requesting documentary evidence on officers violating extant laws of the Federation, by engaging in the business of cargo clearance, while still in service.
Earlier, the National President of ANLCA – Prince Olayiwola Shittu, with his entourage from the National Secretariat met with members of ANLCA at the Seme Chapter where he paid attention to all the operational challenges facing them in doing their business at the border and many more.
Issues of non-harmonization of vehicles values across borders in Nigeria, some Customs officers disturbing smooth cargo passage, excessive checkpoints en route Lagos, Customs officers engaging in cargo clearing jobs while still in service, too much protocol at the vehicle seats as well as weekend clearance difficulties among others featured prominently during the meeting with ANLCA members at Seme Chapter.
Responding to some of the questions on challenges, the National President who took notes while members spoke assured the excited members, who filled and overflowed the hall outside, said he was happy with the passion with which they articulated their problems, promising to table the problems before the CAC and authorities in Abuja.
On the entourage of Mr. President were the National Secretary-Dr Emma Oparah Ogu, the Zonal Secretary, West- Alhaji Liasu Bayo Oyekangu, Principal Staff Officer to the National President – Ashiwaju Bolade Oladipo, Chief of staff to the National President – Francis Maduekwe, Immediate past chairman of TinCan and KLT Chapters – Prince (Dr) Kayode Oyinlola and comrade Sir Aloy Anokwuru respectively, Pius Ujubuonu, Bro Paulinus Chukwudi Ike and the Director General of the National Secretariat- Joel Nwosu.
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