ANLCA Opposes Customs Revenue Target Directive By Federal Government

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) on Wednesday, kicked against federal government directive for the Nigeria Customs Service NCS to emphasise on revenue collection, saying the service should focus more on trade facilitation and national security.

President of ANLCA, Honourable Tony Nwabunike who disclosed this at a two day national workshop on the role of maritime in the Africa Continental Free Trade’ Area Agreement (AfCFTA) put together by Association of Maritime Journalists Of Nigeria [AMJON]  held in Lagos, noted that the nation’s customs has been over stretched adding that a whole lot of challenges awaits the country as it await the commencement of the Continental policy .

He affirmed that if adequate measures in tackling  infrastructure decay are not addressed Nigeria may suffer set backs in the area of economy growth.

The license customs broker’s President spoke on the topic ‘’The Role of Customs Brokers in AfCFTA: ANLCA Perspective.

Nwabunike reiterated that customs must be encouraged to continue in safeguarding Nigerian territorial boundaries adding that trade facilitation and national security of the country should be the hallmark of the customs.

According to him, customs should be motivated by the executives and legislatives arms of government to champion the ease of doing business in furtherance to measure up with the World Customs Organisation (WCO), in line with international best practices.

He pointed out that government should provide a benchmark as a means to standardise tariff charges for operators and shippers, adding that Nigeria is the only country where customs is being given revenue target.

The ANLCA President noted that :‘’Readily, Nigeria by virtue of her population and robust economy will be an attractive market from all kinds of goods under AFCFTA ,but care should be taken to avoid using Nigeria as dumping ground by other sister countries.

‘’Local manufacturers as well as farmers should be encouraged to export their goods and services by providing the enabling environment.

‘’Customs should be encouraged to continue to safeguard Nigerian territorial boundaries.

Highpoint of the event  was the honour given to the ANLCA President as the pioneer patron of AMJON.