AIG Maritime calls for 100% cargo declaration by importers, agents

By Abiodun OBA

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Maritime Police Command, Lagos, AIG Olofu, Adetutu Rhoda has called for 100% cargo declaration by importers and agents.

AIG Olofu made the call when she received the newly inaugurated National Executives member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) led by it National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeji and his deputy, Prince Segun Oduntan in her office in Lagos.

A statement by the Ag. Police Public Relations Officer, ASP EHINMODE A. Rowland, disclosed that the AIG advised ANLCA Executives to educate their members to shun all forms of illegalities, wrong or under declaration of consignments.

The AIG according to the statement, was appreciative of the seamless relationship between ANLCA and the Maritime Command since her assumption of office.

Olofu said, “Police being the lead agency in internal security and a major stakeholder in the security architecture of the maritime domain, interface like this is required for sustainable economic growth and viability”.

She congratulated the association for the successful conduct of its general election and the inauguration of the National Executive members after years of delay, adding that members’ election into various offices was a testament of long-standing credibility and good character.

Olofu urged ANALCA Executives to uphold the oath and tenets of their appointments and offices.

The AIG assured them of the Command’s commitment to fully support the Association and deepen the existing synergy and collaboration for effective service delivery and ease of doing business for the betterment of the association and the Country at large.

Bearing in mind the unwholesome attitude and activities of some operators at the Ports, the AIG however, warned that she will not fold her hands and allow the economy crumble under her watch.

Furthermore, the AIG assures of her open door policy and implored the Executive members to always bring to her notice any perceived infractions or anything untoward so as to remedy such without delay. She avowed to intensify efforts at sensitizing officers and men of the Command through capacity building for efficient performance.

Earlier, ANLCA National President, Mr. Emenike Nwokeji said the visit was to appreciate the AIG for her role during the election and inauguration of their members into the association offices and to put a face to continuous interaction with the Command.

Emenike posited that ANLCA being the foremost association in maritime sector, was appreciative of the Maritime Police Command’s efforts at ease of doing business and for the seamless working relationship enjoyed so far.

While soliciting for more collaboration to avoid going through the harrowing process of cargo clearance, the Association called for the AIG’s intervention in reducing the rate of human interference at the cargo clearing points, especially of unauthorized persons as well as reduction of cargo dwell time in order to facilitate trade.