ONNE CUSTOMS COMMAND ENDANGER TO BLOCK FREIGHT FORWARDERS OVER MISAPPLY OF CLEARANCE PROCEDURE-CONTAINER FLYING
The Nigeria Customs Service, Are 2 Command at Onne Port has threatened to sanction freight forwarders and importers making attempts to get their cargoes out of the port without paying customs duties and following the laid down procedure.
In a letter dated 22st October 2022 addressed to the various freight forwarding associations in Onne, Rivers State, a copy of which was sighted by our correspondent, the Customs Area Controller of Onne 2 Command, Compt Auwal.B Mohammed said the attention of the command has been called to the fact that freight forwarders were positioning containers for examination without first making declaration and payment of duties.
The Forward News Media reports that before the concession of Nigerian Ports, it was an era of containers being cleared without necessary documentations. This is refered to as “container flying”
Under this era, there are powerful syndicates specialized in moving cargoes out of the port, sometimes under the prying eyes of relevant operatives, mostly for heavy settlement.
The Onne Customs boss has however warned that such actions would not be tolerated at the command.
The letter was titled; Positioning of Containers for Examination without Declaration and Payment of Duty
It reads in part “This is to inform you that the attention of the Customs Area Controller has been drawn to the above subject matter.
Henceforth, no container should be positioned for examination without declaration made and appropriate duty paid.
“It Is pertinent to note that, any container positioned for examination without declaration made and duty paid; the consignee and the agency licence will be blocked.
Adhere strictly to import procedures”
