TRADE FACILITATION STRATEGIES: Tin Can Command Advocates Use Of Barges To Transfer Cargoes From Seaport

By Roland Ekama

 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Tin Can Island Port Command has disclosed that plans are afoot put ensure adequate use of barges in  transferring  cargoes from the seaport to off-dock terminals ,as part of efforts to boost trade facilitation.

 

According to a statement made available to DAILYFOCUS NEWS ONLINE on Thursday, the action was with a view to reducing congestion and speed up cargo delivery.

 

It further explained that  considering the fact that cargo throughput has increased , and road infrastructure overstretched,there was need to patronise water transportation to move goods out of the port.

 

“The command is also working out actionable modalities for the  use of Barges in  transferring  Cargo from the Mother Port to off-dock Terminals.

 

“This is with a view to reducing congestion and speed up cargo delivery considering the fact that Cargo throughput is increasing, and road infrastructure is overstretched.

 

 

Also speaking on the number of seizure and detention recorded in the last six months by the command, the statement  reiterated that it intercepted  5 x 40ft and 4 x 20ft containers consisting of various uncustom goods during the period under review ranging from used tyres and used rims, bags of rice, cartons of Tramadol and other pharmaceuticals with a total Duty Paid Value N1,159,215,637.00.

 

“The Command is leaving no stone unturned in the area of anti-smuggling in view of the devastating effect of smuggling to the Nation and its implications on Lives and Security.

 

“Consequently, deliberate and concerted efforts are being made to ensure that examination and releasing officers remain proactive/preemptive in the discharge of their statutory functions.

 

“Consequent upon the anti-smuggling drive by the Area Controller, the Command recorded seizures of 5 x 40ft and 4 x 20ft containers consisting of various uncustom goods during the period under review ranging from used tyres and used rims, bags of rice, cartons of Tramadol and other pharmaceuticals.

 

“The need for facilitation  of legitimate trade is at the front burner of our discourse, and this necessitated the creation of various platforms for expeditious resolution of disputes and issues related thereto.

 

 

“This approach has led to the speedy resolution of disputes arising from Valuation, Classification, PAAR etc at least to the barest minimum.

 

“The Command will continue to strive for excellence in achieving the mandate of the Comptroller General of Customs, Col Hameed Ibrahim Ali(Rtd) and his able Management.

 

“In the same vein, efforts will remain in top gear towards the removal of bureaucratic  bottlenecks and impediments in the trade value chain.

 

“Our ultimate aim is not just to key into the Presidential Directives on Ease of Doing Business which is in line with World Customs Organization’s  (WCO) Trade Facilitation Agenda but to be seen as being at the vanguard.

 

The Command also expressed its commitment towards realizing and even surpassing the revenue target for 2019 , urging stakeholders and officers and men to rise up to this challenge.