ANLCA to seek amendments to Customs Act, faults 10-year post clearance rule

...Emenike highlights achievements at NEC meeting

The National President, Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Emenike Nwokeoji, has announced plans by the association to seek amendments to the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023.

Speaking at the association’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos on Friday, Nwokeoji stated that his administration has identified several ambiguities in the act, which was signed into law just before his administration took office.

He noted some specific concerns such as the act’s requirement for customs agents to retain clearance documents for a period of ten years.

Nwokeoji also highlighted concerns about the potential for unfair application of exchange rates.

He said, “Before now, Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) said that after clearing cargoes freight agents shouldn’t destroy documents until 7 years and that CEMA was developed years ago at a time when there was no calculator. How come the new NCS Act in an era where there is thorough scrutiny with Form M, Pre Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), Nigeria Customs Information System (NICIS) II and B’Odogwu; we are saying that after 10 years an importer or freight agent can be called on the clearance of a cargo.

“There is also the problem of varying exchange rates. So, if the importer is to pay additional duty on a consignment initially cleared 10 years ago and the system is applied is a way that the exchange rate is the one that is obtainable now, that wouldn’t be fair.”

He said while the association will continue to operate within the current legal framework for now, ANLCA has articulated its concerns in readiness for a possible presentation to the National Assembly.

Meanwhile, Nwokeoji has declared a “new dawn” for the association, highlighting some achievements under his two-year administration.

He credited the unity and cooperation of members for the group’s renewed image and influence in the maritime sector.

“ANLCA being the foremost and largest Association in the Maritime Industry has successfully reclaimed her lost image, position and prestige within the short period of less than 2 years of the present NECOM. The credit goes to most of you for the total support and cooperation we have enjoyed.

“With the restoration of peace and harmony within ANLCA, we have been able to bring ANLCA to a progressive trajectory in the maritime industry through our constructive engagements with all stakeholders in the industry especially the statutory agencies of government.

“We have been at the forefront tirelessly addressing the operational and policy challenges of members at the highest level.

“My leadership has promptly responded in resolving major difficulties for our members as we continue to encourage corporate best practices for our members.

“Our input to the new Nigeria Customs Service managed B’Odogwu helped in a great way in shaping the participation of the declarant. Agents can now view and monitor their jobs from the comfort of their offices unlike before with NICIS, “he said

Nwokeoji added that ANLCA had also begun working closely with the newly inaugurated National Single Window Committee with a recent meeting at the association’s national secretariat providing an opportunity to examine some conflict areas and omissions.

The ANLCA President thanked members of the association for their support over the past two years, reaffirming his commitment to the association’s progress.