Amidst recent online reports hinting at alleged irregularities in cargo release procedures at the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Princess Chi Ezeh, a member of the governing council of Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), has stepped forward to commend the cargo releasing team for adhering to due process.
In a chat with journalists, Princess Ezeh addressed concerns raised by some freight agents, emphasizing that calls for cargo re-examination stem from the nature of heterogeneous goods at the Apapa port.
Princess Ezeh clarified that scanners are programmed to detect single items, leading to multiple images when containers hold various items. She also highlighted the necessity of physical examination for accurate classification and to prevent revenue loss.
“Having seen the complaints by some freight agents, I am concerned because it is a misconception to allege that the scanner has identified the given items but Customs insist on physical examination. The scanners are programmed to check for a single item and where a container has multiple items, it means the scanning result will show multiple images, but it cannot classify the items.”
“Scanners can’t interpret HS Code. So, there will be a need for physical examination whenever the scanners show multiple images which mean different items. This also helps for proper classification to prevent revenue loss.” She said.
Speaking further, the freight forwarder disclosed that the Apapa port has initiated the Time Release Study (TRS) to expedite cargo clearance, with Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba and his team leading commendable efforts in this regard.
She however stressed the importance of honest declarations by freight agents to facilitate a smooth process and warned against fraudulent practices that may result in delays and physical examinations.
Addressing allegations against the Apapa Customs Scanner Manager, Deputy Controller of Customs Atuluku Salamatu, Princess Ezeh defended her actions as consistent with due process. She commended Atuluku for her commitment and resilience amid recent criticism from freight agents, which she deemed unfair and misleading.
Princess Ezeh urged the Apapa Area Controller to maintain the focus on TRS and other innovative approaches that enhance the Ease of Doing Business at the nation’s premier port. Additionally, she revealed insights from a Customs investigation, attributing delays in the clearing process to challenges posed by terminal operators in positioning containers for scanning operations, as well as instances of dishonesty by clearing agents and laxity among some officers.
“Apapa port has begun the implementation of Time Release Study (TRS) in a bid to speed up cargo clearance at the port and the Area Controller, Comptroller Babajide Jaiyeoba has led his officers admirably in this TRS to attain faster cargo clearance. However, freight agents must be honest with their declaration to make the process seamless. A situation where they carry out fake declarations or conceal items will lead to physical examination and delays, Princess Ezeh stressed.
