Licensed customs agents operating at the Seme border along the Lagos-Badagry expressway have raised alarm over high cost of cargo clearance at the border, a development that is reportedly currently making both importers and agents to stay away.
Speaking to newsmen at the border recently, Managing Director/CEO of NYBO Limited, one of the companies operating at the Command; Alhaji Bisiriyu Lasisi, the development if not check could also affect the revenue target of the Seme border command of the Nigeria Custom Service for the year.
Licensed customs agents operating at the Seme border along the Lagos-Badagry expressway have raised alarm over high cost of cargo clearance at the border, a development that is reportedly currently making both importers and agents to stay away.
Speaking to newsmen at the border recently, Managing Director/CEO of NYBO Limited, one of the companies operating at the Command; Alhaji Bisiriyu Lasisi, the development if not check could also affect the revenue target of the Seme border command of the Nigeria Custom Service for the year.
According to him, it has been observed that most importers of foreign goods have deserted Seme border because of high cost of clearing consignments.
Lasisi said that importation of goods through the border is no longer profitable.
“Importing goods through Seme border is like paying double, you have to detach in Cotonou and trans-load before transporting it to Lagos”, he said.
He explained that due to the high duties imposed on clearing of goods by the government, there has been lull in business at Seme border.
The foremost clearing agent called on the government to reduce duties paid on goods to pave way for free flowing of business.
Speaking in similar vein, Uche Akpala a based importer noted that the revenue target of Seme Customs Command of N9.6 billion for the year 2012, may be responsible for jacked up duties and levies by as much as 100%, while business is now very difficult to transact.
“If you now say you want to increase revenue and you say there is no more bench mark, yet the duty move from N5 to N10, then you can see what I am saying”, he said.
The importer said that they are not against any increment in duties and levies, added that it must be reasonable with a view to striking a balance.
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