Customs Begin Investigation of ANLCA Members, their Licensed Companies

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Nigeria Customs Service has began the verification process and inspection of customs licensed agency documents for the 22 renewal of the clearing licenses.

In a letter to the National President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Hon Tony Iju, signed by Acting Controller of Inspection, C.I Nwachukwu, the service stated that any agent who is not verified would not be renewed to practice at the port.

DAILY TREND NEWS reports that the investigation and inspection is a yearly ritual of the customs service is expected to have commenced on Monday 4th of October, and to last until 18th October, 202l.

A team of customs investigators on Tuesday arrived at the Tin Can Island Port Chapter of ANLCA, ans they were received by the Chairman, Alhaji Muhammed Mojeed.

During the verification, clearing agents are expected to present their share capital of N1million fully paid, certificate of incorporation of their company, three years tax clearance certificate, evidence of computerisation of operations (DTI), audited accounts of the company among other requirements.

The customs Inspectors are expected to go round each chapters, in order to verify if the members actually own an office or they are just portfolio agents.

“I am directed to refer to the above mentioned subject matter, and to inform you that a Team of Customs Inspectors is scheduled to inspect all Customs Agencics/Premises with specific task of conducting retrospective inspection and verification of the company’s records premises”

“The assignment is expected to commence on Monday 4‘th to 18th October, 202l.

“You are to disseminate the information to your members accordingly.

“It is absolutely imperative that only Agencies duly inspected and issued with Ccrtiticatc of Inspection are qualified to operate in any port, or border stations.

“There shall be sanction/revocation of Agencies Licences not inspected during the exercise” the letter reads in part.