THE Port and Terminal Multi-Purpose Services Limited, PTML, Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has commenced the process to achieve a one hour cargo clearance time from its command after recording a two hour clearance time previously.
Speaking at the International Customs Day celebration in Lagos, the Command’s Comptroller, Mr. Tenny Daniyan, said: “You all know we have been doing 48 hours clearance policy. We are saying that we can reduce it to one hour but it depends on the compliance of the agents.
“Like I always say, integrity is paramount, if you have good integrity, you can bring in your goods. Because you have prepared what you are bringing in, nobody is going to trouble you and as a result of this, the Customs has scaled up some agents that it feels are qualified through the Authorized Economic Operator, AEO, programme.
“These are for agents that exhibited a high level of integrity and transparency over time based on some parameters. If we can do two hours, we can attempt one hour with compliant traders.”
He warned importers against trade infractions adding that anybody caught will not enjoy the benefits of trade facilitation and will be blacklisted and sanctioned, adding: “Because all it means is that you are deceitful and not compliant.
“So if you want to enjoy the benefits of Roll-On-Roll-Off cargo delivery services, it is up to you the agent and trader but one thing is certain, financial viability is also a criteria.”
