MAIN Galvanises Stakeholders For Second Look At Customs Bill

The Maritime Industry Advocacy Initiative (MAIN) is galvanising stakeholders in the nation’s import, export and shipping sector to take a second look at the controversial Nigeria Customs Service Bill which is currently before the Senate.
The maritime industry non-government organisation (NGO) said that it is partnering with an independent television programme; Port Gist to package a one-day appraisal of the details of the Customs bill.

The Maritime Industry Advocacy Initiative (MAIN) is galvanising stakeholders in the nation’s import, export and shipping sector to take a second look at the controversial Nigeria Customs Service Bill which is currently before the Senate.
The maritime industry non-government organisation (NGO) said that it is partnering with an independent television programme; Port Gist to package a one-day appraisal of the details of the Customs bill.
Executive Director, MAIN; Mr Sesan Onileimo explained that the event which will draw participants from across the board will carry out an analytical review of the Bill.
He confirmed that already, letters have been sent to relevant stakeholders, including officials from the Presidency, Ministry of Finance and Central Bank of Nigeria. “We have also written to the National Assembly to notify its leadership and relevant committees of the intention of the brainstorming programme”.
Apart from these, he added that agencies like SON, NAFDAC as well as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have also been invited. As a matter of fact, they expressed eagerness to be part of the efforts to ensure that the Bill that the Senate will pass will not serve the interest of a particular section.
He also confirmed that the NGO enjoys the support of some quiet collaborators in the efforts to get everyone on the same page in the current efforts.
“You will recall that the public hearing that was held by the Senate threw up a lot of issues and also generated a lot of controversies, we intend to take it up from there, to ensure that all shades of opinions are accommodated in the process that will lead to the law”, he stressed.
He also confirmed that the event will hold at the Rockview Hotel in Apapa, Lagos on December 18 at 10 am.