LAGOS – The National Association of Government-approved freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) on Wednesday urged freight agents and other port operators to comply with import and export regulations, to avoid revenue loss by government.
The association made the plea in a statement made available to newsmen in Lagos by Mr Obums Anene, Deputy National President (Seaports), NAGAFF.
According to the statement, the best approach to sustainable freight forwarding practice is to be compliant with import and export regulations, to protect ourselves from prosecution and economic loss.
The association noted that following the port concession policy, the ports and border entry points had become less competitive and less friendly to businesses.
“Critical stakeholders at the entry points are not helping matters due to their non-compliant attitude with import and export guidelines.
“The remote cause and the greatest threat to government’s revenue is the concept and practice of funding import and export clearance by the freight agents.
“It is sad to note that freight agents sit in the comfort of their offices to decide customs duty without facts, but would rather go about it with untrue declarations,’’ NAGAFF said.
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The statement advised freight agents to be careful in funding any transaction related to cargo clearance, adding that all transactions related to cargo clearance and customs formalities must be paid by the consignee, as clearly stated in the import and export guidelines.
“Consequently, we urge and encourage all practitioners to ensure that our principals are persuaded to be compliant with import regulations,’’ NAGAFF added. (NAN)