By fabulous reporter
…seeks more stakeholders engagement 
Founder of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr Boniface Aniebonam has applauded the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Adewale Adeniyi for facilitating the removal of the forex ban on rice and 42 trade goods acknowledging the positive impact it will have on the Nigerian economy considering the challenges posed by the ban on imports.
In a official statement made available to our correspondent, Dr. Aniebonam shared his perspective on the actions of Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, during the years of the forex ban. He highlighted that the ban on Form M registration for rice and the 42 items amounted to a de facto ban on their importation, creating significant challenges for the trading community.
While acknowledging the Nigeria Customs Service’s ability to find alternative methods for trade facilitation under Section 27 of the Customs and Excise Management Act (CEMA) Dr. Aniebonam expressed gratitude for the relief that the lifting of the ban will provide, allowing the customs administration to continue with its modernization efforts.
He stressed the need for greater engagement with stakeholders and for enhanced compliance and responsible partnership with freight forwarding practitioners. Dr. Aniebonam encouraged cooperation with the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria to ensure effective regulation and control of the freight forwarding industry.
Furthermore, he called for a shift in the role of zonal commands within the Nigeria Customs Service, allowing them to play a more significant part in customs operations. This decentralization of authority would allow the customs headquarters to focus on policy matters, training, discipline, and other essential functions.
Dr. Aniebonam underscored the significance of customs duty assessment beginning with the ship’s manifest submitted to customs by the captain. He urged the Comptroller General of Customs to pay attention to the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) ruling center, as it serves as a vital risk management tool and trade facilitation instrument.
To ensure proper customs duty collection, he advocated for rigorous customs examination of imported laden containers. He also proposed that the Nigeria Customs Service should encourage major importers to diversify into manufacturing, which would contribute to increased exports, excise duty collection, foreign exchange earnings, and job creation.
Dr. Aniebonam concluded by expressing gratitude for the disbandment of the CGC Strikeforce and extended an invitation to the Comptroller General for further discussions on customs operations and matters of urgent importance.
The decision to lift the forex ban on rice and 42 trade items is seen as a significant step in enhancing trade, boosting the Nigerian economy, and fostering a more conducive business environment
