The Zonal Coordinator, Zone `A’ of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Assistant Comptroller-General Monday Abueh, has urged the management of APM Terminals in Lagos to provide the necessary equipment for Customs officers to work diligently.
Abueh made the plea during his recent familiarisation visit to the Tin Can 2, Apapa, APM Terminals, Post Clearance Audit Unit of Customs, Tin-Can Island and Ports and Terminal Multi-services Ltd. (PTML) Commands in Lagos.
He said examination of cargo in the terminal should be hitch-free with big fork lifts made available to carry out proper examination of heavy duty goods.
“Please we are appealing to you to assist Customs in carrying out 100 per cent examination to save the country from unwanted goods”, Abueh told APM Terminal management.
In his response, the Managing Director, APM Terminal, Mr Martin Jacob, assured the zonal coordinator that his management would provide all necessary equipment to enable smooth operations of both parties.
He said that the management would be very strict with goods coming in due to the security of the country.
According to him, the decision came after interception of a container cleared from one of the seaports and fortunately intercepted by officers of the service.
“Officers should ensure going through 100 per cent examination before clearing a consignment because the Comptroller-General, Retired Col. Hameed Ali, has instructed officers to be satisfied before releasing any container.
“Do not take any instruction that you know could be injurious to your duties.
“If you are not comfortable with instructions given to you by any senior officer, you are free to complain or request for transfer to avoid putting yourself in problem.
“You must verify what is in the instructions documents before signing because you will not be happy if your family sees your picture in the newspaper that you are wanted after performing your statutory duties.
“Never lobby to be posted to juicy positions and take any posting as a challenge to build up your career,’’ Abueh told officers.
He urged officers to take time in examining containers, adding that “it is better to protect lives and properties of citizens than to facilitate trade’’.
A Customs officer in Apapa Command pleaded with the Management to instruct APM Terminals to provide all equipment needed for Customs operations to enable officers carry out 100 per cent physical examination.
The female officer said that she and some officers were inspecting industrial generator at APM Terminals adding that they gave them small fork life instead of big fork lift.
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