…NAGAFF Says port challenges were enormous, blames some of the government agencies

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has enrolled 160 Port Stakeholders into its Regulated Port Service Provider and Users platform since the initiative began in 2023.

The Executive Secretary of NSC, Mr Pius Akutah, disclosed to newsmen on the sideline of a sensitisation programme by the commission for port operators on Monday in Lagos.

The theme of the programme is, “Regulated Port Service Provider and Users”.

Akutah, who was represented by Director Consumer Affairs, Chief Cajetan Agu, emphasised the significance of the programme for stakeholders.

He said that the sensitisation programme was the second edition after its commencement during the last quarter of 2023.

Akutah said that the 160 registered port operators consist of agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, individual port users as well as service providers.

“We invited the port’s stakeholders to enlighten them on the processes for online registration of Regulated Port Service Providers and Users.

“We have demonstrated to them how to register and how to make payment and we were able to present before them the various categories of the registration.

“The rate of payment is also in the registration. The payment of each group depends on the operation. A shipper pays N30,000, terminal operators and shipping companies pay N300,000, truckers also pay N30,000 while some pay N50,000 as well as N100,000.

“The council was able to intimate them on the benefits because port users benefit more as we help to interface for reducing port charges from time to time,” Akutah said.

He said that there was a need to continue to work with port operators to stop delays and also eliminate high costs to make the port efficient.

The Deputy Director, Stakeholders, Service, NSC, Mr Celestine Akujobi, said the sensitisation exercise was important for the council to enable us to bring all the port stakeholders together.

According to him, this is to avoid challenges during the implementation of the council’s responsibilities.

“By the time we introduce sanctions on defaulters, no operators will complain that he or she is not aware of the registration.

“I’m happy with the turnout of this sensitisation. This shows that the operators are well informed of the statutory fiction of the council as the port regulator.

“The final implementation will commence as soon as we discover that all the operators have keyed into the portal.

“We are engaging other ports across the country and we are hopeful that before the last quarter of 2024, the Council will implement sanctions on the defaulting operators,” Akujobi said.

The Vice Chairman, National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwards (NAGAFF), Dr Ifeanyi Emoh, said that port challenges were enormous, adding that they originated from some government agencies.

Emoh urged the council to look into regulating other government agencies so that they could be a window where they collected port challenges collectively instead of indiscriminate charges.

The Member of National Council of Managing Director of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr Abayomi Duyile, commended NSC, saying that the sensitisation would enable both the government agencies and port users to operate on the same level.

The Chairman, Board of Trustee (BOT), NEXUS Association of Maritime Truckers Operators (NAMTOP), Mr Raheem Morufu, said he had registered since November 2023, but found it difficult to register on the NSC portal.

“I’m now well informed after the training that everyone will register individually, regardless of their operations to be attended to when there is a challenge.

“I want to commend NSC for their intervention when the shipping companies overcharged me. I was able to be refunded N20 million after the intervention,” Morufu said.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the sensitisation program for the enrollment of an automated retiree verification system for high-ranking officers.

A first of its kind, the programme which commenced Monday, 22 April, 2024 was reportedly designed to serve as a platform through which all retired Deputy Comptroller Generals (DCGs), Assistant Comptroller Generals (ACGs), and Comptrollers could be electronically verified, to modernise the analogue process of benefits application for retired officers.

Addressing the retirees at the Customs Headquarters in Abuja, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi described the initiative as timely and assured them of a seamless verification exercise.

 “Esteemed retirees, it is with great honour that I address you today on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi. This initiative to engage in a seamless verification exercise is timely and proof of the service’s commitment to ensuring your welfare and well-being after years of dedicated service to the Customs Service.”, the CGC who was represented by the Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs (DCG) in-charge of Finance Administration & Technical Service, Festus Okun stated.

“We understand the importance of this verification process in ensuring that you receive the benefits and entitlements you rightly deserve. Rest assured, we are dedicated to making this process as smooth and efficient as possible, with the utmost transparency and accountability.

“As Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs overseeing Finance Administration & Technical Service, I assure you that your concerns and needs are our top priority. We value your contributions to the Customs, and we are committed to supporting you in every possible way as you transition into retirement. Thank you for your service, and we look forward to assisting you through this verification process.”

During the verification exercise, some retired officers who voiced their feedback applauded the initiative, stating, “This positive reception emphasises the significance of this endeavour in streamlining access to benefits and entitlements, reaffirming the dedication to serving retirees with the utmost care and diligence.”

…As CGC affirms determination to combat gender discrimination and gender-based violence

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) will continue to promote gender equality in decision-making processes, as part of its determined efforts to combat gender discrimination and gender-based violence.

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi emphasised this, reaffirming his commitment to fostering a gender-inclusive environment within the service. during a capacity-building workshop on gender inclusivity, co-organised by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the NCS in Abuja on Monday, April 22, 2024, 

Acting Deputy Comptroller-General of Customs, Caroline Niagwan, represented the CGC at the event, where she emphasised the need for clear policies and procedures to address gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within the NCS.

“We aim to create a workplace where everyone has equal opportunities to grow and contribute to the service’s success, regardless of gender,” the CGC said. 

“We are committed to addressing gender discrimination, harassment, and biases within our ranks, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that our policies and practices reflect this commitment.”

The workshop brought together customs officials, gender experts, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for promoting gender inclusivity and addressing gender-based violence in the workplace.

With this reaffirmed commitment, the NCS demonstrates its dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable work environment where all employees can thrive and reach their full potential..