In a bid to sensitize the stakeholders in the maritime sector of its operation, the100% compliance Team of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, (NAGAFF ) on Wednesday flagged of its nationwide Tour with a visit to Mid -Maritime bonded Terminal Services at Tin can Island, Apapa , Lagos.
Addressing Journalists after a brief meeting with the Customs officials at the Terminal, the National Coordinator 100% Compliance Team of NAGAFF, Alhaji Tanko disclosed the readiness of the Customs officials there to partner with the Team to ensure trade facilitation.
Tanko who had earlier explained that the purpose of the Tour was to ensure that the right things were done, however lamented that freight forwarders were tired of harassments from Terminal operators and Customs and expressed their readiness to correct the anomalies.
“I found out that there are some people here who called themselves owners of this place and may be they are trying to do the wrong thing and that is the fear they have in seeing us here.
The Terminal Operators that tried to reject us at the beginning later accepted us partially, pending the outcome of their call in 2 days’ time”, he said.
On the assessment of the Mid-bonded terminal, the Coordinator noted that they had equipment. They have 5-6 standard forklift coupled with their partial clean environment but added, ” but what we are trying to find out is, what I will not be able to say now, is their charges. I have delegated my members to find out.
Some part of their premises is flooded, hence not good for business operations. They(Customs officials)promised to talk with the MD of the Terminal about it. They gave me the number of the MD, I rejected it because of the reception they gave to us. We are not their enemies. We are only trying to do the right thing. It is a gradual process. Government need revenue and we will assist in that regard. They should always see us as friends not enemies”.
The 100%Compliance team had on arrival at the Mid- Maritime Bonded Terminal met stiff opposition at the entrance gate by the staff but was quickly resolved.
The manager of Mid-Maritime Bonded Terminal who expressed satisfaction with the visit, even though, according to him, normal procedure was not followed, however said, “but now, I am happy both organizations have better understanding.”
