Chief Tochukwu Ezisi, President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) told journalists shortly after the recently held Comptroller General of Customs Conference that 48 hour cargo clearance is achievable. He also commended the Customs boss directive to halt multiple alerts on imported cargoes
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From the feelings in the room, we can see that for the first time, the agents are not leaving here in protest. So, can you tell us your feeling as the president NAGAFF?
In all honesty, for the first time in thirteen years, the freight forwarders are happy because issues were discussed abd decisions taken instantly
This CG has shown some seriousness in his three point agenda. The first thing is for him to activate the CGC Conference after thirteen 5, it is not an easy thing, I applaud him for that and we look forward to a more robust conference because in this, there were some issues which I don’t blame them for but in subsequent ones, they will be corrected.
Some of the issues discussed included 48 hours cargo clearance, what do you envisage going forward?
From the point of the CGC, I will tell you that the 48 hours cargo clearance is achievable, he is really working towards that but it might not be immediate
Talking about the multiple alerts, he called on the ACG in charge and centralised it to one stop shop. With that, when you have four alerts that you will finish from CIU, you go to Valuation and before you finish, one week has gone but with one stop shop, one hour, you are done with the alerts and proceed for your releasing.
The 48 hours clearance is very possible. With the speed he is going, by the end of next year, even if we have not achieved 48 hours, we would have achieved 72 hours
The CGC mentioned that the issue of multiple alerts will be addressed within a month, are you optimistic about this?
He didn’t just talk about it, the ACG in charge is aware and has given directive to the DC revenue of the commands to take charge which means that he has automatically given order. It is not an issue of later, he has given directive and has started with immediate effect.
