Following the shake-up and redeployment of officers of the Nigeria Custom Service in the Comptroller cadre, some freight forwarders operating at the nation's seaport have charged the new Customs Area Controllers (CAC) that have just been redeployed to various commands especially at Tin Can and Apapa Ports to ensure that they carry freight forwarders along in their operations.
Following the shake-up and redeployment of officers of the Nigeria Custom Service in the Comptroller cadre, some freight forwarders operating at the nation's seaport have charged the new Customs Area Controllers (CAC) that have just been redeployed to various commands especially at Tin Can and Apapa Ports to ensure that they carry freight forwarders along in their operations.
Speaking with Shipping Position Daily in Lagos yesterday, the Tin Can Island chapter chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF); Mr. Jude Maduka charged the new Controller of Tin Can command, Comptroller Titus Aremu to ensure that he maintains the peace and tranquility that his predecessor’ Comptroller Isa Nuhu left behind.
Maduka in chat with our correspondent pointed out that before Comptroller Nuhu's arrival at Tin Can Port, the atmosphere was always tense and that the command has over the years been known for notoriety, but he noted that the former CAC was able to engender a peaceful atmosphere for business.
Maduka explained that, "Comptroller Nuhu actually did well because before now Tin Can has been termed a restive port, but he did a lot to calm the atmosphere here".
"The terminals now have intercoms that you use to communicate before you can be allowed into the port, he also did well administratively and he has always been meeting his target", he noted.
The NAGAFF Chairman charged Comptroller Aremu to build upon the existing relationship, saying that, "I wish the new CAC will take a cue from him and exceed his performance".
According to Maduka, there is need for the CAC to identify the various associations and call for a stakeholders meeting "where we can all sit down and articulate issues as they concerns the port, we have issues here and there that we want to discuss, we have our own problems" he stated.
He however expressed hopes that with what he has done in PTML where he was transferred from, he will equally succeed noting that he will be operating under the same environment and he understands the terrain.
On his part, the Cordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporters Coalition, Chief Osita Patrick Chukwu expressed satisfaction with the shake-up in Customs, saying that it will further discourage familiarity and also ensures that officers to face their jobs.
According to Chief Chukwu, "it’s a good thing that the CAC's are being changed, it’s very good, but again we should not just be having a recycling of CAC, there should be new blood and new faces so that people will not over-familiarise with the ones already on ground and make it business as usual".
According to him, the areas controller should be changed every year, adding that, "if the former has N10billion target he achieved, the in-coming one can perform better".
He charged the new Controller of Apapa command, Comptroller Umar S.P who was a former Deputy Comptroller; APM Terminal at the same command to ensure that he facilitates trade at the port and to operate an open door policy.
He also promised that his group will engage the new CAC positively.
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