JUST IN: Customs Raises Alarm Over Containers Diversion By Barge Operators

Based on intelligence gathering and sharing of information, the Nigeria Customs Service has banned the use of barges to evacuate containers from the nation’s seaports.

The service alleged that the operators have abused the privilege thus evacuating some of the boxes to illegal warehouses without the approval from management.

According to a statement dated March 12 ,2020 and signed by Deputy Customs General,in charge of Enforcement, Inspection and Investigation,Mr. A. Chidi ,noted that the Comptroller General of the service has received intelligence report on the issue.

The statement reads in bits: “The use of barges for evacuating of containers within and out of the ports.

“The CGC is in receipt of intelligence that the use of barges to evacuate containers in and out of our ports is being abused to the extent that containers are being diverted to illegal warehouses.

“Consequently, I am directed to inform you that the use of barges to evacuate our containers should stop with immediate effect.

“This is for immediate compliance please”,the statement said.

By Roland Ekama