06 November 2013, Sweetcrude, Lagos – Activities have once again picked up at TINAPA Free Trade Zone, Calabar as the first batch of seized and detained containers have been released to the management.
This is coming nearly two months after the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, authorities seized about 40 containers meant for the zone.
While the customs insisted that investors at the Business Resort were engaged in some sharp practices, thus clamping down on the defaulters, the investors argued that they had followed due processes in bringing their goods into the zone, alleging plots to frustrate and stifle economic activities within the Tinapa Free Trade Zone.
However, it was learnt that the release of the seized containers might not be unconnected with a directive from the Presidency which directed the Customs high command to ensure that Tinapa’s vision does not die, prompting setting up of a special committee headed by Compt Bello Liman by the Comptroller General Dikko Abdullahi to resolve the issues.
It was further learnt that after series of meetings with Tinapa Management led by the Managing Director, Arch. Bassey Ndem, and NEPZA led by a seasoned Free Zone Officer, Mr. Gurin, all parties resolved to work for the common good and development of the zone.
Addressing investors at the zone, Compt. Bello Liman, promised that all the containers would be subsequently released, but insisted that the investors must obey the law.
Also speaking, Tinapa Managing Director, Arch. Bassey Ndem, expressed satisfaction and delight with the release of the containers and praised the Comptroller-General for setting up a special committee to look into the matter.
Ndem said he would continue to monitor investors to ensure that they don’t operate outside the law setting the zone up, adding that all other grey areas would be settled amicably to foster the already existing relationship between the management and the customs.
