Even as collection of the controversial Practitioners Operating Fees (POF) commences today( August 1) at all entry ports in the country, the Ministry of Transportation yesterday issued what appeared like a last directive to stakeholders.
In a statement signed by the Permanent in the Ministry; Mr S Zakari, the Minister of Transportation; Mr Rotimi Amaechi insisted that, henceforth payment of the POF to the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) is a precondition for cargo release at all seaports, airports and land borders in Nigeria.
In the statement, the Nigeria Customs Service was also informed that issuance and renewal of clearing agents’ licenses should be considered only after the agent has been certified to have paid the registration and annual subscription fee as well as the Practitioners Operating Fees.
Registrar of the CRFFN, Mr. Mike Jukwe had told one of our correspondents last week that, “CRFFN is a government agency and the government has asked us to begin collection of POF and that is exactly what we are going to do”.
“All I can say is that the Minister has given a directive to start collection and we are working in line with the directive”.
When told that there is no modality as yet for collection other than the letter from the minister, he said we should “wait and see”.
On his part, President of Association of Registered Freight Forwarders of Nigeria (AREFFN); Dr. Frank Ukor assured of the group’s readiness for the collection.
Dr. Ukor said that all his members have been sensitized about the POF collection and that they are all ready to comply.
He said "CRFFN has communicated to us in a letter that "the collection is commencing on 1st of August. Other than the letter they wrote us about the election and the commencement of POF we have not heard anything again"
"They have given us the time table, but no conditions for the elections have been given so far"
"The minister has given the NPA and the terminal operators the powers to input the POF in their bill from 1st of August. So as from Tuesday, if you are raising your debit note, it would be included and you have to pay"
On his part, President of National Association of Freight Forwarders and Air Cargo Consolidators (NAFFAC); Chief Thomas Agubamah said that his members are ready for the take-take-off of the POF collection.
"NAFFAC members have no objection to collection of POF by CRFFN. It is our view that any consequential issues over the 35% share due to the declarant can be quietly resolved whereby associations will also benefit"
Similarly, President of the National Association of the Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Chief Increase Uche, has expressed the association’s readiness for the collection.
The NAGAFF President however told our correspondent that the association is waiting for further directives from the CRFFN on the modalities.
“We are waiting for modalities from CRFFN; we are yet to get any directive from them. So we are very prepared anytime they are ready, those of our members who have cargoes should pay. We are not countering the government’s decision on POF collection.
Meanwhile, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) has kept mum on the imminent collection. When he was contacted by Shipping Position Daily correspondent at the
Discussion about this post