By Richard Udofia

Manufacturers in the country have accused the Nigeria CustomS Service, NCS, of contributing to the continued congestion at the Ports through arbitrary increase of import duties.

Making the remark at the 7th Business Luncheon of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, MAN, Ogun State chapter, president of MAN, Dr. Kola Jamodu, said that the arbitrary increase in duties, as well as imposition of unnecessary taxation by government agencies has led to the accumulation of demurrage in the Ports.

He also kicked against the current single window environment and pre-assessment technique used by the Customs, arguing that they bring about delay in data generation and verification at the Ports.

Represented by DG, MAN, Mr. Remi Ogunmefun, Jamodu advised government agencies to desist from turning themselves into milking institutions at the detriment of importers who choose to patronise the local Ports.

“Government should ensure that cargo fares are relatively stable over time, while multiple taxation on imports should be looked into as a matter of urgency to avoid further congestion at the Ports,” he said.

“Problem of efficient cargo identification, fast clearing process, arbitrary increase in cargo duties and continuous deduction keep reoccurring even at the ports, and I believe the Nigeria Customs Service will overturn this deficit in the nearest future”, he added.

He lamented the erratic power supply witnessed in the country, saying that it also contributes to congestion at the Ports as most appliances are electronically powered and require electricity to function.

Jamodu, however, commended the Customs for introduction of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) and Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) policies, saying that they are alternatives to decongesting the Ports.

He said that since the introduction of PAAR, between March and June, 2014, tremendous achievement has been recorded as dissemination of information to relevant quarters has been made easily accessible.

He noted that with PAAR, removal of bottle necks at the Ports are guaranteed in keeping with the practice in other developed countries.

He stated that in July this year alone, about 86 per cent of cargoes have been cleared