WeeksFollowing the Nigerian Revenue Service and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council stating they would encourage shipping companies and terminal operators to provide exemptions to importers and their representatives impacted by delays caused by the introduction of the National Single Window, licensed agents at the country’s seaports have claimed that the NRS and NSC have failed to fulfill their commitments.
However, the Special Adviser to the NRS head, Dare Adekenmbi, disputed the agents’ stance, emphasizing that there was no general exemption for importers.
“We have spoken with the terminal operators, who have verified that importers or agents affected by the early issues from the NSW rollout are eligible to request demurrage exemptions,” he said.
Adekenmbi stated, “Nevertheless, these importers/agents must make sure they possess sufficient proof to back their assertions. There won’t be ‘general’ exemptions for demurrage, as we are aware that certain importers/agents might exploit such provisions unfairly.”
But the agents, who had previously communicated withSunday PUNCH, characterized the statement from the NRS and the NSC as a political commitment that remained unmet.
In April, it was announced that the NSC and the NRS requested shipping companies and terminal operators to provide exceptions for importers and customs agents impacted by delays caused by the introduction of the National Single Window at the country’s seaports.
The request was raised during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Lagos, where participants from the council, NRS, National Single Window Secretariat, terminal operators, and shipping companies gathered to assess the development and obstacles of the recently implemented system.
At the meeting, Dr Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, stated that although the NSW initiative represented a significant achievement for the maritime sector, “its implementation has faced early operational difficulties affecting cargo clearance times.”
Additionally, the Chairman of the NRS, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, called on shipping companies and terminal operators to demonstrate empathy by “waiving demurrage and storage fees accumulated during the period of delay.”
Providing an update on the matter, the Chairman of the Apapa Chapter of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Abayomi Duyile, stated that no actions have been taken.
“They didn’t do anything; they haven’t done anything as I speak to you now. There isn’t any waiver for any agent that I’m aware of. Even today, I just came from a meeting with a shipping company. They held a stakeholders’ meeting to update us on the areas they plan to expand,” he said.
Additionally, Kayode Farinto, a former Acting National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, stated that such a thing did not exist. “It’s all propaganda. There is nothing like that; no waiver has been issued, as far as I know. It’s a political statement,” he mentioned.
Farinto acknowledged that certain difficulties confronting the NSW are slowly being addressed. “I believe they are overcoming most of their challenges, and progress is happening gradually. Since some of the agencies causing them issues, such as the Standard Organisation of Nigeria and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, have returned to their previous state,” he mentioned.
Efforts to contact the NSC spokesperson, Rebecca Adamu, were unsuccessful since she had not replied to messages sent to her by the time this report was submitted.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.Syndigate.info).
