“We Have Lost Over #20bn to Substandard Goods” – ANLCA

Chinazor Megbolu

The national President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr. Iju Tony Nwabunike said freight forwarders and brokers in Nigeria lost over #20 billion as a result of substandard goods over the years.

Nwabunike made this known on Tuesday at a one-day sensitisation programme organised by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) tagged; ‘Facilitating Trade Through SON’s Automated Services’ in Lagos.

He explained that the loss was as a result of the goods brought in by importers, discovered by SON to be substandard and subsequently destroyed even after freight forwarders and brokers had spent their resources clearing such goods.

Nwabunike pointed out that such a loss incurred by brokers and freight forwarders has never been paid back by importers.

“We have lost over #20 billion to substandard goods brought in by importers over the years. When these goods are brought in, and later discovered by SON to be substandard and burnt after freight forwarders must have spent their money to clear such goods.

“These importers don’t pay back such money and it becomes a loss to our members, “Nwabunike said.

He also maintained that SON needs to educate and sensitise importers on the need for them to comply and do things right.

According to him; “if you do and get it right, nobody will harass or molest you”.

Nwabunike while applauding SON for a job well done so far, noted the Government agency needs to raise the standard higher.

He pointed out that SON is through the sensitisation programmes encouraging people to do things right because they want more firms and people to spring up and do legitimate businesses.

Nwabunike, however, advised SON on the need for easy process rather than cumbersome procedure of accessing it’s portal by stakeholders doing businesses at the ports.

He also hinted that narrative needs to be changed henceforth by people and organisations in the sector doing things right.

Nwabunike further advised those who deliberately import substandard goods and sell same as standard goods to desist from doing so because such act could cost consumers their lives.

According to him, “We are sensitising our members and importers to do things right always in order to put an end to losses always incurred by freight forwarders and brokers”.