As issues of Non-conformity to Statutory Procedures and other vices in clearance processes by stakeholders in the maritime industry continue to challenge the sector,the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS),Zone C,Port Harcourt Wednesday organized a-one day sensitisation workshop to address the issue.
Addressing participants at the event,the Zonal Coordinator of Zone C,Port Harcourt, ACG Olugboyega Peters said the workshop has become necessary owing to series of infractions arisinng from non-conformity to the statutory procedures of the Nigeria Customs Service.
According to him,this has in no small measure affected the operations of the Service and by extension reduce the revenue target of the Zone.
The ACG therefore urged the stakeholders or the participants to take seriously the sensitization workshop in their own interests to improve on their operations.
He emphasized that there is no end to education and as such participants should make maximum use of the opportunity offered by the programme.
Peters also stressed the need to exhibit integrity and transparency in all their dealings,noting that it pays to be diligent in every activity we perform.
“There no end to education,hence the essence of the sensitization workshop. Integrity and transparency are important in port operations. You can only do that with proper education. So
was happy to hear that training was coming,” the ACG said.
He urged participants to be attentive and make maximum use of the sensitization workshop.
Also speaking,the Customs Area Comptroller ( CAC) Area 1 Customs Command, Chedi Wada said it is important to seek for knowledge, pointing out that the Nigeria Customs Service as a stakeholder will continue to engage with the agents to ensure smooth operations at the ports.
He tasked the agents as stakeholders to partner with the NCS, stressing that the Service operates an open-door policy that accommodates partnership.
The CAC reminded the agents that it is important for them to have Customs’ licence and be acquainted with the statutory procedures of the NCS.
Wada also tasked the agents on the need to increase their capacity to be able to function effectively.
“You must operate professionally, as Customs is making infractions narrower for offenders by the day. So let us try and comply with the Customs’ Statutory Operating Procedures,” Peters said.
While delivering his lecture on Non-conformity with Statutory Procedures, the Guest Lecturer and Chief Superintendent of Customs(CSC) J. Atile said it is important to follow statutory procedures in carrying out our operations, as non-compliance often results to high cost of productivity and loss of revenue.
He pointed out that failure to follow laid down procedures attracts sanctions. He however noted that the problem is not peculiar to agents alone.
Atile said Customs Procedure Code (CPC) is very important in cargo clearance, thereby making it indispensable for Customs and agents. This, he said has underscored the essence of the sensitization workshop.
In his vote of thanks, representative of NAGAFF, Comrd Ngozi Uzoho who described the sensitization workshop as apt, promised that they as stakeholders will strive to keep pace with the ever-changing procedures in the maritime industry.
He said since learning is a process, they will continue to learn and adapt to the Customs Operating Procedures.
The event also featured interactive session, with participants airing their views on some issues bothering them in the course of their operations.
