Fear Grips Customs, NPA As 5,000 Abandoned Cargoes Liter Nigerian Ports

…Customs To Sensitize Stakeholders On Evacuation

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Nigeria Customs Service as well as the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have expressed concerns over the increasing rate of abandoned cargoes currently litering Nigerian ports, leading to congestion.

DAILY TREND NEWS gathered that there are not less than 5,000 abandoned cargoes at the port due to cumbersome Customs procedures and high cost of clearance.

In a circular number NCS/TCIP/CAC/004/S.13 which is dated 2nd September 202l, the Nigeria Customs Service announced that it is conducting a sensitization workshop for stakeholders on the “Overtime Cargo Clearance Procedure”

The circular signed by the Public Relations Officer of Tin Can Island Command, Mr Uche Ejesieme made a reference to a Headquarters Circular NCS/HQ/OA/ZOZl/l/VOL of 29th July 2021 on the subject.

The notice read “Sequel to the CGC’s approval for the conduct of a sensitization workshop for Stakeholders on the Overtime Cargo Clearance Procedure, I am directed to ‘ notify you that the exercise has been scheduled to take place between 6th to 10th September 2021”

“Accordingly, you should further note that the exercise will be conducted in three zones A, B, C of the Service. That of Zone ’A’ Lagos will hold at the Customs Training College on the 8th of September, 2021 @ lOOOhrs”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said that there are at least 5,000 abandoned containers at the nation’s ports, resulting in congestion of the ports.

Managing Director of the NPA, Mohammed Bello-Koko, stated this during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on Customs on Tuesday.

Speaking further, Bello said other challenges experienced at the ports to include extortion at illegal checkpoints around the ports.

According to him, there are over 20 checkpoints mounted by the police, and in some cases, area boys collect these monies on behalf of security agencies.