WALTOLYE:: Freight Agent Expresses Satisfaction In Customs Modernisation, Canvasses For Unit Mergers
By Roland Ekama
Frontline broker and freight agent, Chief Adebowale Atoloye, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) management for recent reforms, innovations, and modernization in cargo clearance.
He stressed the need to reduce some units and departments of the service for greater efficiency.
Chief Atoloye, Managing Director of Waltolye Limited, shared these views during a chat in Lagos on Tuesday. He expressed satisfaction with Comptroller General of Customs , Adewale Adeniyi and his team for driving seamless trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Speaking on the Customs One Stop Shop platform, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and B’Odogwu platform, the broker noted that cargo movement and trade facilitation have improved under the current administration.
However, he called for integrating certain units that would eliminate bureaucracy and other irrelevant bottleneck.
He advocated streamlining customs processes, merging units like the Customs Intelligence Unit (CIU) and Query & Amended, and leveraging technological advancements to boost trade facilitation.”The Comptroller General has done well, but he needs to put some units in order,”
Chief Atoloye said. “Merge some units and departments, discourage physical examinations to allow smooth cargo movement and clearance. CIU, PCA, and valuation should fall under one automated center to enhance the one-stop shop.”
The Waltolye boss added that the maritime industry can generate vital federal revenue but faces challenges from terminal operators lacking adequate handling equipment.
He emphasized that paperless operations would create a level playing field for freight forwarders and shippers, as non-compliance hinders trade..