An empty container stacking space at Kirikiri Phase ll area of Lagos allegedly converted to a bonded terminal has been uncovered and sealed up by operatives of Nigeria Customs Service.
Findings revealed that the terminal was operating in contravention of laid down rules as the space was not formally designated for such purpose.
Some users of the facility who preferred anonymity disclosed that cargo laden containers were being processed for clearance for them there .
They claimed not to have known that it was operating in contravention of the laid down rules for setting up a bonded terminal.
It had attracted container laden trucks moving cargoes in and out with presence of Customs officers not from Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) where it was being operated.
When contacted, Customs Area Controller of KLT, Mrs Morenike Oladunni, declined commenting on the operation and sealing up of the terminal
Ezebudike Victor, a freight forwarder described the operation of the terminal as an act of impunity that could result in clearing unlawful cargoes into the country and cause serious evasion of duty payment.
According to him the closure was a bold step in the right direction because there is nowhere the warehouse, which was meant for keeping empty containers by Clarion Shipping, was assigned the responsibility of a bonded terminal.
“I am happy it was sealed. The Comptroller General of Customs acted swiftly and rightly too by stopping their operation. We saw customs officers locking up the place and everyone of us became proud of the service as it confirms his zero tolerance for corruption”he said
When contacted on the status of the terminal and cargoes suspected to be in it, Customs Public Relations Officer at the Zonal office, Ngozi Okwara promised a response but was yet to respond as at press time.
As at Thursday when we visited the controversial terminal, it was under lock and key with some trucks that wanted to use it parked outside, unable to access the facility to exit any truck.
Available information indicate that the operations of the bonded warehouse known as Clarion Terminal established within the premises of KLT Command is capable of creating misinformation and wrong suspicion on the basis of questionable releases that might rebound on the area command.