The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has taken steps to address delays in clearing courier parcels and boost revenue generation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. The acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Jacob Onele, led a familiarisation tour of courier facilities and private hangars under the command's supervision. This move aims to resolve operational challenges and improve compliance with customs regulations.
During the tour, Onele interacted with representatives from major courier operators, including Aramex, United Parcel Service (UPS), FedEx, DHL, and the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST). Discussions focused on operational bottlenecks associated with the recently introduced Unified Customs Clearance System and delays in presenting imported parcels for customs assessment. The engagements provided an opportunity for stakeholders to present their concerns directly to the new controller.
Onele assured stakeholders that he would work to resolve the challenges, escalating matters beyond his authority to the Customs Service headquarters. He urged courier companies to address delays in presenting imported parcels to customs officers for assessment, stressing that timely presentation was necessary for faster clearance and seamless trade facilitation. Improved coordination between courier companies and customs officers is expected to support efficient service delivery and revenue generation.
The acting controller called on operators to take proactive measures to eliminate avoidable delays, noting that this would support the government's revenue drive. Management representatives of the courier companies welcomed the visit and pledged to strengthen their collaboration with the command. They reaffirmed their commitment to complying with existing laws and regulations and improving operational cooperation.
Onele expressed satisfaction with the reception and cooperation extended to him and his team, commending the operators for their willingness to work with the command to improve service delivery. He appealed to courier company managements to address challenges associated with unnecessary delays of imported parcels before being presented to Customs for assessment. Compliance is necessary for speedy processing and seamless trade facilitation.
The Nigeria Customs Service has previously taken steps to improve revenue generation and cargo clearance. Recently, the Service intercepted 22,175 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and auctioned products worth N32.2 million. The Customs boss has also pledged tougher anti-smuggling operations in the South-West region. These efforts demonstrate the Service's commitment to facilitating legitimate trade while preventing smuggling and other illicit activities.
The engagements between the Nigeria Customs Service and courier operators aim to promote a collaborative environment, ensuring that legitimate trade is facilitated efficiently. By addressing operational challenges and improving compliance with customs regulations, the Service hopes to boost revenue generation and reduce delays in courier parcel clearance. The familiarisation tour is a step towards achieving these goals, and stakeholders have welcomed the initiative.
Key points
- Nigeria Customs Service aims to boost revenue generation and reduce delays in courier parcel clearance at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
- The Service has engaged with major courier operators to address operational challenges and improve compliance with customs regulations.
- Deputy Comptroller Jacob Onele has urged courier companies to take proactive measures to eliminate avoidable delays and ensure timely presentation of imported parcels for customs assessment.
