NIMASA CORPORATE STRIP
COMPTROLLER ALKALI TAKES OVER OIL AND GAS FREE TRADE ZONE COMMAND, SYNERGIZES WITH STAKEHOLDERS, HARPS ON COMPLIANCE, TRADE FACILITATION
By Ifeanyi Nwaoha
The Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed Alkali, has said his purpose of calling stakeholders meeting is to brain storm and strategise to find lasting solution to daunting challenges hindering smooth operations at the command. And also to familiarize with critical stakeholders and to seek their cooperation to facilitate trade, which is the main focus of Nigeria Customs Service.
This declaration was made by the newly appointed CAC of Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Customs Command, Onne Port Harcourt, Comptroller AM Alkali at the meeting with stakeholders held on February 13, at the Command.
Comptroller Alkali asserted, “The purpose of this engagement is get meaningful dialogue and address them, find lasting solution on challenges facing oil and gas operation. As stakeholders, you are committed to smooth operation to achieve the objectives of the Service. The NCS, our duties are trade facilitation, revenue generation and national security.”
Comptroller Alkali tasked stakeholders on strict compliance to the regulations and laws affecting the operations. He insisted, that traders should not cut corners or compromise with the due process,/ due diligence in doing their legitimate business. He then, assured them of speedy clearance of their goods by providing assistance and conducive environment genuinely aimed at facilitating trade. And to provide investment opportunities to drive economic growth according to world best practice on trade and investment, Alkali explained to critical stakeholders.
He posited: “Our commitment is to facilitating trade and ensuring compliance within the Zone. In an effort to strengthen collaboration and enhance economic activities.”
“Further more, he called all the stakeholders to adhere strictly, especially on SGDs approval within the 14 days approved time. This will enable the command to maintain accurate record, efficiency , and streamline clearance process for all stakeholders. “Let me affirm the commitment of the Service to providing enabling environment, while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations by working together which will encourage investment and drive economic growth. We have resolved to ensure that trade is facilitated.
“Only thing we want from you, try as much as you can to adhere to the stipulated regulations which all are familiar with.”
He continued, “The purpose also include as a new CAC, is to present myself to you, so that you can know me and I know you as stakeholders. I assure you of my commitment, cooperation and resolution of issues and problems as they may arise. My door is open and we are ready for business,’ he averred.
In response, the stakeholders in their divergent views, highlighted challenges confronting the seamless operations at command. The include the following: Delays in processing documents, arbitrary raising of D/N, network failure, alerts, double application, frustrations by officials of the NCS and staff of Intel’s which made them to pay extra money as demurrage before the goods should be finally released.
Reacting to the complaints, Comptroller Alkali assured them of his readiness to meet their demands for the interest of trade facilitation and economy development of the nation. He further assured them of his open door policy and harmonious working relationship with the stakeholders, he emphasized.
In an interview with freight forwarders, Hon. Eric Asor Kanu the chairman elect for Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Oil and Gas Chapter, Onne port and the chairman Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria ( APFFLON), Onne Port Chapter, Forwarder Kolawole Atanda in their opinions said, that Comptroller AM Alkali would help to solve some issues mentioned such as network failure, delays and to address the negative attitudes of workers which do not promote trade. Mr. Atanda stressed that NCS management should try to post officers that are conversant with nitty- gritty of the operations of the free trade zone, while commending Mr Alkali who he described, as a thorough bred customs officer, who knows more of the Oil and Gas Command operations.
The meeting was attended by government agencies, enterprises, shipping companies, and freight forwarding associations operating within the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.
The government agencies, include the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority (OGFTZA), the Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), the Nigeria Police Force, the Eastern Ports Command, and the Nigeria Immigration Service Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command.
Furthermore, notable enterprises such as INTELS, Notore Petrochemical Company etc . The f& f associations include ANLCA and APFFLON