Following a 72 yrs deadline given, by the Comptroller-General of Nigerian Customs Service Hameed Ali to importers to clear their imported rice through land borders or forfeit them to the Federal Government.
The Shippers' Association Lagos State ( SALS ) has said that the ban on rice from land borders will obviously affect revenue generated by NCS. We are very passionate about Government making enough revenue to fulfil the responsibility of Governance especially at this crucial period.
According to a press release from the office of the President Shippers' Association Lagos State ( SALS ) Rev Jonathan Nicol sent onWednesday 23 March 2016, " Last month, NCS racked into the Federation account 1Billion Naira through Seme Border Customs command which was applauded by many stakeholders." And it is the first time that Command made such a hug revenue.
" Seme was able to perform because all the components were functional. If the Nigeria Customs officers can curb compromise with Importers the revenue will be doubled."
The ban will motivate smugglers to adopt new tactics of duty evasions with the support of some unscrupulous customs officers. We anticipate a short fall of revenue from that Command if the ban persists.
"I would suggest to the CGC to step up the security at various border stations with regular surveillance visits from time to time instead of banning importation of rice through authorised Border posts.
While peaking on behalf of his members, he also appealed to his other importers of rice who may incure huge loses and might not be able to meet up with the deadline given by the CGC to contact the office of Shippers' Association Lagos State for help.
Although, government policy might not be favourable for now we should give President Buhari time to effect the much needed changes, within the Customs to bring about the necessary development of the mindset of some officer's of the Nigeria Customs Service We still believe that some of the economic policies that is not favourable to businesses will be changed for the better within foreseeable future. The times made be hard now but it will get better.
"Therefore, there must be a thorough clean up of the system to weed of businessmen in Customs uniforms" he said.
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