Alli Folashade Temitope
Pre-Arrival Assessment Report sensitisation programme by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) was snubbed by ship importers and customs clearing agents on Tuesday at Tin-Can Island, Lagos.
The programme, which was held at the service’s Tin-Can Island command by a team of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) experts from the Customs headquarters in Abuja, witnessed few participants.
Already, the same event was held last week at the Apapa Area 1 Command of the service
The two-hour sensitisation session recorded an advice for the service on the removal of clearing agents company data Command identification on the portal to avoid duplicity and make accessibility easier for both importers and agents.
It will be recalled that the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) flagged off the awareness programme on the use of the new e-clearance system; the Pre -Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR); last week at the Apapa Area Command.
The sensitisation programme is organised, following the incessant complains logged by stakeholders including the importing public that the Service has not adequately enlightened them on the workings of PAAR.
The Head of the ICT unit, Deputy Comptroller Bashar Yusuf, speaking on the benefits of the new clearance system said PAAR will be issued before the arrival of cargo to facilitate trade at the nation’s ports.
According to him, under the PAAR platform which is expected to commence next month, the service would release cargoes within six hours, adding that no consignments would stay longer than necessary at the ports if all requirements are met by the importer.
“Two things we need from you so that we will give you that which you need are compliance and honesty. These are two important things for success of every trade change,” he said.
Bashar, who promised that the service in his power will do whatever will bring good information to all users, advised that clearing agents obtain their licence permit from the headquarters, especially those who are yet to have their organisation name in the Trade Hub Portal.
