Bonded terminal operators decry customs new policy on cargo transfer

Tayo Oladipupo

The bonded terminal operators have called on the management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to give them the grace of three months before implementation of its new policy on cargo transfer to off dock facilities.

The operators made the call yesterday after a meeting with the management of the Tin Can command of the service.

The operators said that they needed the time duration to communicate with their clients over the new development saying it is in line with the requirements of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

The service at the meeting had informed the terminal operators about the introduction on payment of duty before transfer to bonded terminals.

According to them, there was no prior information that payment of duties should be paid at the mother port before transfer.

They maintained that such move amounted to illegality if customs should at the middle of the relationship demand the payment of duty before transfer.

“Our presentation is that we need adequate notice of three months to communicate to our clients. This policy was revived as a result of the alleged extortion during transfer process. This is in line with the requirements by World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“We have N50m cash bank bond with the customs. As at the time of approval to operate a bonded terminal, we were not informed that we should pay duty at the mother port before transfer.

So, it amounts to illegality if customs should at the middle of the relationship demand the payment of duty before transfer.

“It’s unfortunate that Nigeria customs is not confident enough to address the issue alleged. There are evidences to support the allegations.

“Resurrecting illegal and impracticable policy carved by very few management officers of the Nigerian Customs for their selfish interests would not and cannot solve the problem.

Speaking with our correspondent on phone after the meeting, Haruna Omolajomo, Executive Secretary of the Association of Bonded Terminal Operators in Nigeria (ABTON), supported the call for three months grace for members to adapt to the new order.

He said such decision was not good enough especially that its implementation was with immediate effect.

He said, “How can customs come up with such policy and say its implementation is with immediate effect?

“I support that they give us some time to relate with our clients because customs sometimes do not understand how bonded terminals work.”

Omolajomo however added that the issues were not new to the operators but the meeting served as reminder and for members to be abreast of the new development.

When contacted, the Customs Public Relations Officer, Tin Can chapter, Uche Ejesieme confirmed there was a circular to the effect from the customs headquarters but added that he had not understood the nitty gritty of the content of the circular.

Ejesieme observed that the new policy was to forestall any loophole in cargo clearance in the port.

He noted that the policy was statutory but that operators had not been keeping to it, hence the need for collaboration and reminder.