The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime Police Command, Lagos, Mrs Rhoda Olofu, has advised importers and agents to desist from illegalities and ensure full disclosure of their consignments.
This is contained in a statement issued on Monday by the command’s acting Spokesperson, ASP Rowland Ehinmode.
Olofu gave the advice when she received in her office the newly inaugurated National Executive members of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA).
She said the call became necessary in view of the unwholesome attitude and activities of some operators at the ports.
Olofu urged ANLCA executives to educate their members to shun all forms of illegalities, wrong or under declaration of consignments.
The AIG, however, appreciated the seamless relationship between ANLCA and the Maritime Command since her assumption of office.
She noted that Police remained 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 said.
Olofu congratulated the association for the successful general election and the inauguration of the National Executive members after years of delay.
The AIG assured them of the command’s commitment to further deepen the existing synergy and collaboration for effective service delivery.
The ANLCA National President, Mr Emenike Nwokeji, who led the executive members to the AIG’s office, said the visit was to appreciate the AIG for the role she played during the election and inauguration of their members.
Nwokeji called for more collaboration to avoid going through the harrowing process of cargo clearance.
He also sought for the intervention of the AIG in reducing the rate of human interference at the cargo clearing points and reduction of cargo dwell time in order to facilitate trade.