Customs Tasks FTZ Investors to Comply With Clearing Procedures

Tayo Oladipupo

The Tin Can 2 Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has appealed to Free Trade Zone (FTZ) operators to comply and abide with government directives in the clearance procedures and processes toward ensuring smooth revenue drive and trade facilitation.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Lami Wushishi made the plea during her maiden visit to Lagos, Lekki and Dangote Free Trade Zones on Tuesday in Lagos.

Wushishi, a former area controller in charge of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT), noted that the service would continue to support investors in the Free Trade Zone in order to generate more revenue for the government in boosting the nation’s economy.

She explained to the investors that customs clearance procedures include use of form M, saying that some of the operators in the zone do not make use of the document in duty payment.

“We know that duty paid is on raw materials but From M is very important and this issue must be addressed with the Central Bank of Nigeria.”

She reiterated that bulk of revenue collection by the Lilypond /Tin Can 2 command was generated from the zone stressing that there is the need for synergy and cooperation between government agencies and investors.

The Area controller pointed out that the service would continue to work on the Comptroller General Customs’ three “Rs”, adding that decision must be taken by officers on ground due to distance between the command and the zone.

While commenting on the ongoing construction of the Lekki deep-sea port in the zone, Wushishi affirmed that the project would give the government more revenue and increase employment rate in the country.

“The Free Trade Zone investment is a project that must not fail because we want it to grow and we are going to put in our best to make sure they succeed.

“This is where we get bulk of our revenue for the command because from the zones we get close to one point something billion naira on a monthly basis and it’s not what the service should joke with because if we joke with it, definitely it will affect our revenue drive.

“We will assist you in anyway best possible to make your business succeed.”

According to her, the visit to the zone would serve as a means to synergize with the investors and collect more revenue for Customs.

Responding Deputy Managing Director, Lekki Free Zone Development Company, Mr. Popson Popoola Jaiyesimi suggested to the customs boss to set up a committee that would address the issues raised.

Jaiyesimi who noted that the free zone was established in 2006, called on government for constant dialogue among all the parties involved in trade facilitation.

He said delivery of first class services to client was the focal point of the organisation and that things ought to be done the right way.

Also speaking, Sole Coordinator of NEPZA, Lagos Free Trade Zone Company, Wilfred Odega stated that “We are working to bring everybody on board but government policy somersaults have led to the confusion on ground.

Similarly, Head Dangote Free Trade Zone, Dr. Angel Okocha called on government to encourage investors in the zone in order to boost revenue collection and trade facilitation.