Issues bordering on hindrance to trans-border trade and trade facilitation were the focal point of discussions on Tuesday between a delegation of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) led its National President; Prince Olayiwola Shittu and the Customs Area Controller in charge of Seme border; Comptroller Victor Dimka.
Such issues such as: non-harmonization of vehicles values across borders in Nigeria, some Customs officers inhibiting smooth cargo passage across the frontiers, excessive checkpoints en-route Lagos, serving Customs officers who engage in cargo clearance jobs, too much protocol at the vehicle seats, weekend operations, and many more, were discussed.
Before meeting with the Customs Controller, the ANLCA President had met with members of the Seme birder chapter of the association, who articulated their challenges.
At the meeting with Comptroller Victor Dimka, Prince Shittu enumerated all the problems highlighted by his members at Seme border and pleaded for his intervention.
Consequently, Comptroller Dimka promised to issue circular to all customs officers and agents requesting documentary evidence on officers violating extant laws of the Federation, by engaging in the business of cargo clearance, while still in service.
One other issue raised by the ANLCA leaders and which confounded the CAC, was the diversion of already-cleared vehicles, which are often stopped by officers from the Federal Operations Unit (FOU), especially at Ijebu Ode in Ogun State and subsequently taken to Idiroko or Abeokuta, where such vehicles are issued a Demand Notice (DN).
The Comptroller was surprised that such a practice is going, he promised to investigate.
On the issue of perceived excessive duty and charges on vehicles, the CAC informed members of ANLCA who visited him that the minister of finance is taking a second look at the matter, with a view to reviewing it downwards.
On the many checkpoints along the Seme Lagos highway, Comptroller Dimka told his guest that the only checkpoint known to him is the one he established at Gbaji – just before the bridge – en route Lagos from Seme.
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