The National Association of government approved freight forwarders (NAGAFF) has expressed worry over the continuous seizure of cargoes by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'C' of the Nigeria Custom Service in Owerri, Imo State, even as it has called for sensitization of freight forwarders on the need to shun smuggling.
The National Association of government approved freight forwarders (NAGAFF) has expressed worry over the continuous seizure of cargoes by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'C' of the Nigeria Custom Service in Owerri, Imo State, even as it has called for sensitization of freight forwarders on the need to shun smuggling.
Reacting to the latest seizure of over N140Million worth of cargoes in Owerri by the customs last week, founder of association; Dr. Boniface Aniebonam in a chat with Shipping Position Daily stated that should the trend continue, traders would soon run out of business.
He said that business men in the state need to be educated on how to comply with import regulations so as not to continue losing their cargoes and money to the customs.
Aniebonam who is also the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) pointed out that the state as well as Anambra State is predominantly international traders and that many freight forwarders engaged in logistics and cargo management come from Anambra state.
“The FOU in Owerri seized goods worth over N140million, who own these goods? To me we need a governor who has to identify with the occupation of the people, and since we are international traders a lot of efforts have to be made in the area of compliance to import regulation". "Therefore there is need for education and enlightenment so that our people will not continue to lose their cargo into the hands of the Nigeria Customs Service" he said
Aniebonam however stressed that the customs has a responsibility to carry out government regulations with regards to seizure of contraband items smuggled into the country.
"But we don't need all these, look at SON, NAFDAC, you see all the seizures they are making, who told you that we must fake goods or smuggle before we can earn our living? These things are wrong and we need to correct them, we need somebody who has the machinery of the government to educate the people", he canvassed.
"If you talk about investment in Anambra State them we will be looking at what we have, when traders keep losing all these money, then when do we industrialize, it cannot work"
He also called for skilled labour and manpower development in the quest to boost industrialization in the state.
Rivers Port Manager Visits Masters Energy Oil In Port Harcourt
As part of her familiarization tour of jetties operating in the state, new Rivers Port Manager, Mrs. Carolyn Akum Ufere, has paid a working visit to the office of Master Energy Oil and Gas Limited in Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The visit which took place recently was aimed at gaining knowledge of firms within her area of operation.
Akum was accompanied on the visit by management staff of the port including the Traffic Manager, Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke, Harbor Master Capt. Olatunji Gabriel Abohi, Senior Manager on Safety Engr. Nkem Emmanuel Abazie and Mrs. Barbara Ejemeh Nchey-Achukwu, Chief Port Public Affairs Officer among others.
On arrival at the company, the Master Energy Oil and Gas Limited Jetty, the Port Manager and her entourage were warmly received by the Vice President of the company Mr. V. C. Ajala.
Akum expressed appreciation to the company for the warm reception given, even as she expressed willingness to establish a cordial relationship between the NPA and Master Energy. She stated that the good relationship will be one that will have mutual benefits to the both organizations.
In his welcome speech, the Vice President of Master Energy Oil and Gas Limited, Mr. V. C. Ajala expressed joy at the visit of the Port Manager and her entourage to the company.
He explained that low tanker traffic is being experienced by the company, even as he stressed that the development may be unconnected with current government policies and business competition.
Speaking further after the inspection, Rivers Port Manager appreciated the management of the company for the structures put in place and for the employment provided to Nigerians. She promised to give the company support in its operations, as long as they comply with operational rules and regulations in the port.
Some of the facilities inspected at the Master Energy Oil and Gas Limited Jetty include 12 tanks of 11.3milion Liters each for AGO (Oil), DPK (Kerosene) and Petroleum laboratory. They also inspected operational jetty 1, 2, and 3 under construction.
However, Master Energy Oil and Gas Limited Jetty Management said they also have one tug boat with 400 personnel strength, while their Corporate Social responsibility with the host community- Rumuolumeni is receiving the company’s attention.
The Port Manger however expressed satisfaction at the management of Master Energy Oil and Gas Limited especially for the structures they have on ground, and for employment they provided to Nigerians.
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