The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and licensed Customs agents operating at the nation’s seaports and land borders across the country have agreed to work together in combating smuggling and corruption in the nation’s maritime sector.
This was disclosed when the Comptroller-General of the service, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd) to the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) and National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) in Lagos.
The meetings, which were part of Col. Ali’s renewed strategic engagement with stakeholders culminated in the launching of an anti-smuggling sticker by ANLCA and assurances of support from NAGAFF.
Col. Ali said his office is ready to strengthen a synergy that will prevent smuggling and enhance government revenue while fighting corruption in the sector.
Ali who urged all stakeholders to be bold to report vices like corruption assured that there will be no hiding place for any customs officer found culpable.
‘‘We must be bold enough to fight corruption. If an officer insists you must give him money, let us know. We must be the one to ensure that all the bad elements among us are exposed.
‘‘It gladdens my heart that NAGAFF and ANLCA have form a synergy with us. That will give Nigeria Customs the encouragement to do better.
President of ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu condemned the multiplicity of customs functions and interference with other agencies like the police, which according to him disrupts trade. ANLCA also requested for a new clearance procedure that will eliminate frequent alerts and blocking of licenses.
