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To address some operational challenges encountered in the course of their work, freight forwarders recently held a town hall meeting to engage maritime regulators.
During the town hall meeting theme ‘Way Forward on Challenges Militating Against Cargo Clearance’, the group comprises freight forwarders and Customs brokers, which includes the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents; the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders; the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents; the National Association of Freight Forwarders and Consolidators; and the Association of Registered Freight Forwarders, stated that the engagement became necessary to inform the regulators about some of the challenges confronting them.
The Acting National President of ANLC, Mr Kayode Farinto, who spoke on behalf of the group, said the town hall meeting would come in three phases, Customs operations, shipping company operations, and terminal operators’ operations.
On Customs operations, Farinto urged the freight forwarders to discuss with open minds by pointing out the challenges they are facing with Customs.
Farinto added that the deliberations would centre on challenges affecting freight forwarders in Customs operations.
According to him, the lack of information from the Nigeria Customs Service, especially on banned items before they are taken off the importation list, is causing great concern to the freight forwarders.
“Freight forwarders are supposed to be informed before any decision concerning them is implemented by the government and its agencies. I am also calling on all freight forwarders to be compliant because compliance is a two-way thing.”
He added that freight forwarders have to be compliant before asking for compliance.
Farinto urged the freight forwarders to have robust discussions on the VIN valuation policy and pre-arrival assessment report, among others.
Earlier, the pioneer National President of ANLCA, Rafiu Ladipo, appreciated all the presidents of the different associations for putting up the town hall meeting.
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