The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has urged shippers and freight agents to comply with customs clearance procedures at the seaports and land border stations.
NSC Executive Secretary, Hassan Bello, made the call in Lagos at an enlightenment seminar on ethics and integrity geared towards trade facilitation, saying the agency is mandated to create awareness among stakeholders on how to conduct business efficiently and effectively.
As part of efforts to achieve the mandate, the NSC has been organising seminars to educate importers, exporters, and freight forwarders on guidelines and procedures set by regulatory authorities.
Bello, represented by his Deputy Director (Compliance and Monitoring), Cajethan Agu, said the seminar was to update industry players on the need to embrace ethics and integrity on international trade.
“When cargoes are sincerely declared and proper documentation made in line with established guidelines, the government will have more trust in the shippers and international trade will become a lot easier and less cumbersome.
“The thrust of this seminar will further create awareness among stakeholders on the benefits of making genuine and proper declaration of trade which include; improved revenue to government, reduce delays at the port and increase government confidence in dealing with shippers,” he added.
Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller General, Monday Abueh, urged importers and exporters to follow the rules of international trade.
Abueh, represented by Deputy Controller (Enforcement, Tin can Island Command), Dera Nnadi, said automation in port operations would eliminate corruption .
President Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS), Jonathan Nicole, who chaired the programme, lauded the collaboration between the NSC and the Customs on the education of operators.
Nicole said despite the difficult situation in maritime activities the government must be committed to educate operators on integrity and ethics associated with international trade.