Mkpoikana Udoma 23 October 2015, Sweetcrude, Port Harcourt – The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Onne Chapter in Rivers State, has dismissed allegations that there was widespread fraud and malpractices by the officers of the Nigerian Customs Services, NCS, at the Onne Command of the NCS.
Recall that some clearing and forwarding agents at the Onne seaport had reportedly accused officers and men of the NCS of malicious fraud and corruption while exercising their duties at the port.
Onne Chapter Chairman of the association, Mr. Kingsley Offor, who debunked the allegations while speaking with journalists in Onne, denied that the Command especially at the gates of the Federal Ocean Terminal, FOT, usually delayed documentation procedures from agents deliberately, in order to extort money from them.
He called on those peddling the rumours, whom he described as “faceless persons”, to desist from such or face the wrath of the association.
“Those allegations are baseless and unfounded, emanating from cowards. He that goes to equity must do so with clean hands.
“Agents must do the right thing, pay the correct duty and Customs are bound to comply to smooth cargo or container clearance at the port.”
The ANLCA boss explained that Onne Port chapter of ANLCA, under his watch as the chairman of the body, had vowed to protect and improve the interest and welfare of its members who are genuinely doing the right thing in cargo documentation and clearance at the Onne Port.
He enjoined genuine members of the association to always declare the right items and pay the right duty to the Customs as required by the law.
