The Senate on Tuesday expressed disappointment over non-implementation of act establishing Nigeria Customs Service,(NCS) with regards to disposal of overtime cargoes.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, Hope Uzodinma, who made the dislcosure while briefing newsmen in Abuja on the aftermath of the committee’s oversight visit to the terminal in Lagos.
According to Uzodinma, the committee uncovered billion worth of cargoes containing; transformers, cars and electronics which was moved by Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA) Apapa, to Ikorodu Lighter Terminal of Lagos State for over ten years.
He said though, the containers were moved to de- congest Apapa ports but, overtime cargoes act could have been applied to those items.
Uzodinma said. “This shows to some extent a sign of irresponsibility on the part of the authority. We are going to discuss with the hierarchy of the service and ensure the Nigeria Customs Service act, which has also prescribed a procedure for disposal of overtime goods and seized cargoes, is respected and complied with.
The only way to dispose these items or overtime cargoes is captured in the act and it is not going to be subjected to any further negotiation. Whatever is defined in the act is what should be done. Our responsibility as lawmakers is to ensure it is followed forthwith.”
How useful was this post?
Click on a star to rate it!
