Oluyinka Onigbinde
The Western Marine Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has opened up on why it intercepts some barges carrying containers on the waters in Lagos.
There have been allegations and agitations from some barge operators about the intervention of Customs operators from the command on container-loaded barges.
Specifically, they allege that some officers of the command collect money from them before they are allowed to operate on the waterways in Lagos.
But, in a chat with our correspondent, the Public Relations Officer of the command; Mr Isah Suleiman denied the allegation, stating that officers of the command only intercept barges carrying consignment without an escort.
Suleiman explained that it is against the standard procedure for anyone to carry consignments using the waterways without escort from the Western Marine Command of the NCS.
He further explained that the command does not regulate barge operations and as such cannot demand money from any barge operators, especially when the barge is empty.
The spokesperson explained: “We don’t regulate barge operations, how then can we stop them to demand money from them, we only intercept or stop some barges if they don’t have an escort from the command following the consignment they are carrying
“We have no business with empty barges. What we do is to ensure that barges that carry consignment through the waters have escorts following them, because it is against the standard procedure to carry consignment through the waters without escort from the command.
“That is what we do, if anybody has proof of us intercepting barges, let such a person come forward and we will take it from there” he said.
A barge operator who pleaded anonymity had told our correspondent that the command officers on patrol do demand money from them irrespective of whether there is escort or not.
However, in a chat with our correspondent the President of the Barge Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN) Mr. Olubunmi Olumekun said he was not aware of such, he said no member of the association had reported such.
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He stated that recently the leadership of the association had a meeting with its members where they informed them that it is mandatory to have escort from the Western Marine Command that will follow the barge to the bonded terminals or warehouses
He said those complaining cannot be members of his association, even as he also affirmed that it is against the standard of operation to carry consignments either on land or on the waters without escort.
“I am not aware of such; no member of our association has come out to complain about that; if at all it exists.
“We know it is against the standard of operation to carry consignment without escort, even carrying consignment on land, you must have escort you write to FOU that will provide escort, so you don’t just think you carry any container without escort
Affirming the right of the Customs officer, he added, “just as we have FOU for land, we have the Western Marine for the waters; you can’t carry consignment without escort, so if they intercept any barges it could be for that cause. I am not sure they demand money for anything, like I said no member of our association has complained of such” he said.
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