The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on Tuesday said that more than 2,000 trucks loaded with goods are trapped and rotting away at the Nigerian border.
President of the association, Mr Tony Nwabunike disclosed this during a media briefing held at its national secretariat.
According to him, the ongoing partial border closure have brought some gains to the country, but there should be a review of the process for the benefit of legitimate importers.
“Six months into the Seme border closure which commenced on August 20, 2019 and the Federal Government keeps saying that they will reopen the borders soon.
“The present situation of goods now at the Seme borders is very sad and something should be done to reduce the suffering of the importers of these goods,'' he said.
He noted that some of the goods are already maggots-invested, adding that the weather has also not good to the consignments.
Nwabunike pointed that the border cannot be permanently closed, adding that the association could not ascertain the amount lost, but that very huge amount was being wasted.
He urged government to do a quick review of the situation and allow dutiable goods from the affected neighbouring countries to pay duty and come in.
He called for a human face approach which would save many businesses from dying and ameliorate the indebtedness that many genuine businessmen and women found themselves due to the policy.
On the collection of the Practitioners Operating Fee (POF), he said the association is in full support of the fee, while adding that there is no single member who have come out to say he/she is going to court on the payment.
He said the money generated by the POF will also be used in training members of the association on professionalism.
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