By Ifeyinwa Obi
CUSTOMS Area Controller (CAC), Kirikiri Lighter Terminal, Comptroller Akinloye Banji has called on  stakeholders in the  industry, especially importers and  clearing agents, to carry out  enlightenment programme on clearing procedures.

Banji  said this when he paid a courtsey visit to the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF).

According to him, the rationale behind his visit is to form a strategic partnership with all stakeholders within his command in order to achieve the much talked about 48- hour cargo clearance.

“My visit here today is not at variance with the objectives of my Comptroller-General, that is of having a responsible partnership with stakeholders in this administration fight against smuggling, untrue declaration, unwholesome practice so that we could move together in the best interest internationally and we would therefore regarding my own area attain the 48-hour cargo clearance,” Banji noted.

He further warned importers and  agents to desist from unwholesome practices, noting that his command will not hesitate to use the law if they refuse to desist. Earleir, NAGAFF , founder Dr Boniface Aniebonam, regretted that most freight forwarders and importers are not conversant with the import procedures which, adding that it is responsible for some unethical practices among them.

Aniebonam, who is also the Consultant to the Central Working Committee of Freight Forwarders (CWCFF), stated  Aniebonam added that most of the problems regarding importation in Nigeria are caused as a result of what he described a wrong advice given to the government by the organised private sector.

Meanwhile, Ojokoro Cement Industries Customs agency license withdrawn years back from the company in which Aniebonam has a major interest has been reissued.

The former NAGAFF Board of Trustees Chairman, who disclosed this to journalists on the side-lines of the visit of Banji to the Freight Forwarders Village, said that the license was allegedly withdrawn due to his stance against what he described as unethical practices in the Customs as at then.