Customs has granted us operational licence, says NAGAFF

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has granted the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) an operational licence.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday in Lagos by the Chairman, Board of Trustees of NAGAFF, Mr Chidiebere Enelamah.

According to the statement, members of NAGAFF are advised to take advantage of the laudable development to comply with procedures of cargo clearance at the customs ports and approved border stations.

It said that this was part of efforts NAGAFF and the Council for Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) were making to bring about professionalism and best practices in the freight forwarding in the country.

“Over time, we have told our sister associations that the time has come for consolidation and unique approach to freight forwarding practice as a profession.

“We intend to enter into strategic alliance with the Nigeria Customs as part of our efforts and contribution to blocking all loose ends leading to revenue leakages.

“It is our advice that our sister associations should start thinking in the area of helping the Federal Government in its anti-corruption crusade,’’ the association said.

The statement said other freight forwarding associations should start thinking about consolidation of practices among members.

“At this point, may we encourage Mr President to reject the alleged letter written by the Comptroller-General of Customs to retire from the service.

“It is to our knowledge that the CGC is a civil servant who has 35 years in service or 60 years of age before he can retire,’’ the statement said.

The association explained that the mandatory tenure should be eight years, adding that the comptroller-general had just put in six years.

“We sincerely believe that the Dikko-led administration shall conclude Customs reforms in the next two years.

“Added to the above are the Customs & Excise Management Act (CEMA) Review, 2004 proposed restructuring review and licensing regulation of agents.

“ All these and many more we believe the Dikko-led management team is better positioned to address before its exit.