PTML Customs to Prosecute Clearing Agents Over Falsification of Clearing Documents

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The PTML Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has threatened to block clearing licenses involved in obtaining fake valuation of imported cargoes, even as it urged clearing agents to conclude transactions with their customers before approaching customs.

At a stakeholders meeting held at the command in Lagos last week, the Customs Area Controller, Compt Festus Okun stated that fake valuation or adjustment of FOB value (Free On Board) is a criminal offense, and that any company caught doing so, the license would be blocked and prosecuted.

Reliable sources at the closed door meeting told our correspondent that Compt Okun has equally sounded a warning that any cargo document bearing similar names would not be released by the command.

The command has apparently been inundated with complaints of document bearing same names, thereby creating confusion in the system.

He stated that cancelation of C-number on documents should be based on genuine excuses which the management team would look into before cancelation.
This is to avoid auditors query at the end of the day.

“All these meeting outcomes and decisions take effect immediately after the meeting.
In addition, on all unpaid job accessments, the management of the license should pay all outstanding

“The customs Comptroller has also warnes stakeholder to take precautions before rushing to Access cargoes if they are not capable of paying, negotiations should be seal and concluded with the importer before accessment”

Present at the meeting were Chief Executive Officer of Customs Licensed Companies, executives of freight forwarding associations, as well as management team of the PTML Customs Command.