The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has called on shippers and freight agents to comply with customs clearance procedures at the seaports and land border stations.
The Executive Secretary of NSC, Barr. Hassan Bello who made this call while speaking at an enlightenment seminar on ethics, integrity geared towards boosting trade facilitation yesterday in Lagos said the agency was mandated to create awareness among stakeholders on how to conduct their businesses efficiently and effectively.
Bello said in order to achieve such mandate the council had been involved in organizing seminars to educated importers, exporters and freight forwarders on guidelines and procedures set by regulatory authorities.
The Executive Secretary, who was represented by the Deputy Director ,Compliance and Monitoring of the council, Chief Cajethan Agu said the seminar was to update players in the industry on the need to embrace ethics and integrity on international trade .
“When cargoes are sincerely declared and proper documentation made in line with established guidelines, government will have more trust in the shippers and international trade will become a lot easier and less cumbersome.
“The thrust of this seminar will further create awareness among stakeholders on the benefits of making genuine and proper declaration of trade which include; improved revenue to government, reduce delays at the port and increase government confidence in dealing with shippers “,he added.
Similarly, Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Nigeria Customs Service, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG Monday Abueh called on importers and exporters to adhere strictly to the rules governing international trade.
Abueh who was represented by Deputy Controller in charge of Enforcement, Tin can Island Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Dera Nnadi said that automation in port operations would reduce and eliminate corruption .
President Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS), Reverend Jonathan Nicole who chaired the enlightenment programme lauded the collaboration between the council and the customs on the need to educate operators .
Nicole said despite the difficult situation in maritime activities government must be committed to educate operators on integrity and ethics associated with international trade.
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