Author: ucy Nyambi.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has impounded 7 containers of cutlasses and machetes, frozen poultry products and expired pharmaceuticals worth N292.2 million.

Giving a breakdown of the seizures to newsmen on Friday, 19 July 2024, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Babatunde Olomu stated that the items fall short of the import prohibition guidelines.

He said, “On Thursday, 17 July 2024, the command seized 2x40ft containers carrying 12,000 pieces of cutlass and machete; 2x40ft carrying 4,129 packages of frozen poultry product; 1x40ft container carrying 368 jumbo bales of used second-hand clothing; and 1x40ft container of expired pharmaceuticals. The duty paid value (DPV) of these seized items stood at two hundred and ninety-two million, two hundred and forty-four thousand, eight hundred and fifty-seven naira (292,244,857.00).

“It is pertinent to note that this type of importation is against schedule 3 of the revised import prohibition list of the Common External Tariff (CET) and violates section 233 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.”

Comptroller Olomu disclosed that the seizures were made following a combination of intelligence and diligent enforcement in ensuring that no consignment exits Apapa Port or any terminal under the command without undergoing proper examination.

“As a working principle, I have reiterated that this command will continually sustain and improve on trade facilitation and maximum revenue collection without compromising the enforcement of our extant laws as they pertain to a false declaration, concealment, under declaration and undervaluation,” Olomu said.

Speaking on the importation of cutlasses and machetes, the CAC clarified that such items require an end-user certificate from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

“Importations like this require an end-user certificate issued from the office of the National Security Adviser. There are security challenges, and one would want to ensure that the purpose for which these cutlasses are being brought in are the ones that satisfy the law,” the CAC clarified.

He reiterated the health implications of consuming foreign frozen poultry products, saying, “The consumption is harmful to health. Also, this particular one has been over one year since they packaged it, and it has expired. The government banned this because of health hazards and to encourage local products,” Olomu stated.

Speaking further, the CAC stated that the items would be handed over to the appropriate agencies for further investigation and regulatory action.

He restated the command’s commitment to ensuring that only consignments that meet the integrity test of compliance will be allowed to go through the port as import or export cargoes.

Author: Abra Iruoghene.

The Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, received a customised generator and a bus on behalf of the Service from the Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project (TMP), Saleh Ahmadu, on 5 July 2024, at the Project Management Office domiciled at the
Nigeria Customs Service Management Quarters in Abuja.

CGC Adeniyi expressed appreciation to TMP for the equipment presented to the Service. He said, “On behalf of all officers and men, I appreciate this gesture that TMP has done for us through the presentation of the 250KVA generator and the 13-seater 2024 Toyota Hiace bus.”

Adeniyi disclosed that the Service is aware of TMP’s efforts in providing tools and equipment needed to drive the modernisation program. He said, “We know that computers alone will not work by themselves; they will not effect the desired modernisation that we need.”

He added, “It will require human input, and the working environment of these elements is very important as well as those tools. So, we therefore appreciate these efforts you put in place to help us enhance the working environment and also improve the welfare of these officers.”

Furthermore, he applauded the Trade Modernization Project for being a worthy and dependable partner in their modernisation drive. He noted that the equipment delivered would be put to good use to bring added value to NCS operations.

Additionally, Adeniyi encouraged the officers, from the rank of Assistant Comptroller and Deputy Comptroller, undergoing special training by the TMP in preparation for the management duties of the Service, to be attentive and acquire the necessary knowledge to discharge their responsibilities and take up the task ahead of them professionally.

Mr Saleh Ahmadu, the Chairman of the Trade Modernization Project (TMP), who handed over the equipment, said the bus was for the effective movement of personnel between the headquarters and the TMP office, while the generator was for constant power supply to the management quarters of the NCS. He acknowledged the CG for his continuous support and collaboration.

Author: Folusho Adeogun

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the European Union (EU), Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, and GIZ, launched a series of capacity-building programs to enhance the capabilities of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). These initiatives aim to improve the implementation of Advance Ruling, a trade facilitation measure designed to bring certainty and transparency to Nigeria’s customs operations by providing legally binding decisions ahead of transactions.

The training program, held from May 20 to May 31, 2024, at the NCS Headquarters, focused on critical customs procedures such as Tariff Classification, Rules of Origin (RoO), and Customs Valuation. Supported by the EU-WCO Harmonized System (HS) and Rules of Origin for Africa Programmes.

The capacity building, which is divided into three stages: Intermediate, Advanced, and Training-of-Trainers (ToT), is to ensure a thorough and progressive enhancement of skills among NCS officers. The final ToT session is scheduled for July 2024.

NCS officers have received training in tariff classification, concentrating on complex products like textiles, chemicals, and plastics, which are essential for accurate and efficient customs operations.

In the same vein, the NCS conducted a soft launch and stakeholder consultation for the Advance Ruling System On May 2, 2024, paving the way for its full implementation. A comprehensive sensitisation program, in collaboration with the WCO and GIZ, is set to begin in July 2024 to educate stakeholders and ensure widespread understanding and adoption of the new system.

Furthermore, the WCO has supported the development of Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) to guide the implementation of Advance Rulings, providing detailed guidelines on handling HS and RoO.

The capacity-building efforts by the WCO and its partners have been pivotal in preparing the NCS to implement Advance Rulings by enhancing the skills and knowledge of customs officers. This initiative aims to create a more efficient and transparent customs environment in Nigeria, aligning with international standards and fostering greater trust and cooperation in global trade.