By Winifred Ngozi Orji
Harboursandport.com: Onne, port harcourt - February 15, 2025: The Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed Alkali stated that the purpose of calling the stakeholders meeting is to brainstorm and strategize to find lasting solutions to the daunting challenges hindering smooth operations at the command.
He also aims to familiarize himself with critical stakeholders and seek their cooperation to facilitate trade, which is the main focus of the Nigeria Customs Service.
This declaration was made by the newly appointed CAC of Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Customs Command, Onne Port Harcourt, Comptroller AM Alkali, at the meeting with stakeholders held on February 13, at the Command.
Alkali asserted, "The purpose of this engagement is get meaningful dialogue and address them, find lasting solution on challenges facing oil and gas operation. As stakeholders, you are committed to smooth operation to achieve the objectives of the Service. The NCS, our duties are trade facilitation, revenue generation and national security."
Alkali tasked stakeholders on strict compliance with the regulations and laws affecting operations. He insisted that traders should not cut corners or compromise on due process in their legitimate business.
He assured them of speedy clearance of their goods by providing assistance and a conducive environment genuinely aimed at facilitating trade, as well as offering investment opportunities to drive economic growth according to world best practices on trade and investment, Alkali explained to critical stakeholders.
His words: "Our commitment is to facilitating trade and ensuring compliance within the Zone. In an effort to strengthen collaboration and enhance economic activities."
"Further more, I call all the stakeholders to adhere strictly, especially on SGDs approval within the 14 days approved time. This will enable the command to maintain accurate record, efficiency , and streamline clearance process for all stakeholders."
“Let me affirm the commitment of the Service to providing enabling environment, while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations by working together which will encourage investment and drive economic growth. We have resolved to ensure that trade is facilitated. Only thing we want from you, try as much as you can to adhere to the stipulated regulations which all are familiar with."
He continued, "The purpose also include as a new CAC, is to present myself to you, so that you can know me and I know you as stakeholders. I assure you of my commitment, cooperation and resolution of issues and problems as they may arise. My door is open and we are ready for business,' he stated.
In response, the stakeholders in their divergent views, highlighted challenges confronting the seamless operations at command. “These include the following: Delays in processing documents, arbitrary raising of D/N, network failure, alerts, double application, frustrations by officials of the NCS and staff of Intel's which made them to pay extra money as demurrage before the goods should be finally released.
Reacting to the complaints, Alkali assured them of his readiness to meet their demands for the interest of trade facilitation and economy development of the nation. He further assured them of his open door policy and harmonious working relationship with the stakeholders.
He emphasized In an interview with freight forwarders, Hon. Eric Asor Kanu, who is the chairman elect for the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) for the Oil and Gas Chapter at Onne Port, along with Forwarder Kolawole Atanda, expressed their belief that Comptroller AM Alkali would assist in resolving issues such as network failures, delays, and tackling the negative attitudes of workers that hinder trade.
Atanda emphasized that the NCS management should consider posting officers who are familiar with the intricacies of the operations within the free trade zone. He commended Alkali, describing him as a thoroughly trained customs officer who has extensive knowledge of the Oil and Gas Command operations.
The meeting saw participation from various stakeholders, including government agencies, enterprises, shipping companies, and freight forwarding associations operating within the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone. Among the government agencies present were the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority (OGFTZA), the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Eastern Ports Command, and the Nigeria Immigration Service Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command.
Furthermore, notable enterprises like INTELS and Notore Petrochemical Company were in attendance. The freight forwarding associations represented included ANLCA and APFFLON.
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