Freight forwarders operating at the nation’s seaport have lauded the recent approval by the Federal Government of N970.2million for the provision of residential accommodation for officers and men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
Shipping Position Daily recalls that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) last week approved the sum for the proving of residential accommodation for customs officers.
Reacting to this, the founder of the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN) Dr. Frank Ukor, told our correspondent that the move is a step in the right direction.
“It is a good development, they will buy property that will accommodate their officers it is very good. Governance is a continuous process, even if this administration didn’t finish it the next will continue from where they stopped. There is nothing wrong with that, they are not building new ones, they are buying completed ones, they won’t be buying for all the officers at the same time, some will get now while others will get later. It is a gradual thing they cannot provide accommodation for all the officers at the same time.
Also speaking the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Mr. Stanley Ezenga, said that having barracks for the member of staff will help enhance their productivity.
He also said that if the Police, Army and Navy can have barracks, then there is nothing wrong for customs to have barracks too.
“If the Police, Army and Navy can have barracks, then the customs deserve barracks too, it will enhance their productivity. Believe it or not, if you know you are going home to a quiet home and a peaceful environment; of course you will go home and sleep with your two eyes closed”
“It will give you time to rest for all stress and be ready for tomorrow’s work. I think it is a good development. The only thing is that they have not acquired the place so we wouldn’t know if the figure they quoted will even be enough. But to me it is a welcomed development and it will enhance their productivity”
Meanwhile the Vice President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Dr. Kayode Farinto, has said frowned at the contract, saying that it is another way of diverting public funds by the government.
“Why now, why not wait for the next administration; it is irrelevant. This is another way of diverting public fund because whatever contract you are awarding now who will be supervising it, another minister will come up by May 29”, he said.
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