ANLCA Visits AIG Maritime, Seeks Reduction in Human Interference in Cargo Clearance, Reduction in Cargo Dwell Time

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime Police Command, Lagos, AIG Olofu, Adetutu Rhoda on Friday 12th January, 2024 received in her office the newly inaugurated National Executives member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) led by it National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeji and his deputy, Prince Segun Oduntan.

The visit was to appreciate the AIG for the role she played during the election and inauguration of their members into the association offices and to put a face to continuous interaction with the Command.

The association being the foremost in maritime sector is appreciative of the Maritime Police Command efforts at ease of doing business and for the seamless working relationship enjoyed so far, further solicited for more collaboration to avoid going through the harrowing process of cargo clearance.

The Association also sought for the intervention of the AIG in reducing the rate of human interference at the cargo clearing points, especially of unauthorized persons as well as reduction of cargo dwell time in order to facilitate trade.

In response, the AIG was appreciative of the seamless relationship between ANLCA and the Maritime Command since her assumption of office.

She said, Police being the lead agency in internal security and a major stakeholder in the security architecture of the maritime domain, interface like this is required for sustainable economic growth and viability.

She congratulated the association for the successful conduct of their general election and the inauguration of the National Executive members after years of delay. Stating further that their election into the various offices is a testament of long standing credibility and good character.

She urge them to uphold the oath and tenets of their appointments and offices.

As partners, the AIG assured them of the Command’s commitment to fully support the Association and to further deepen the existing synergy and collaboration for effective service delivery and ease of doing business for the betterment of the association and the Country at large. She promised not to allow the activities of the association disrupted or hindered.

Bearing in mind the unwholesome attitude and activities of some operators at the Ports, the AIG warned that she will not fold her hands and allow the economy crumble under her watch.
She solicited for 100% cargo declaration by importers and agents.

The AIG advised the Executives member to educate their members to shun all forms of illegalities, wrong or under declaration of consignments.

Furthermore, the AIG said, she operates an open door policy. To this end, AIG Olofu implore the Executive members to always bring to her notice any perceived infractions or anything untoward so as to remedy such without delay. She avowed to intensify efforts at sensitizing officers and men of the Command through capacity building for efficient performance.