The 100% Compliance Team of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has commended the Deputy Comptroller General (DCG) of Tariffs and Trade, Caroline Niagwan, for her dedication to trade facilitation within the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
In a statement disseminated on Friday, the 100% Compliance Team of NAGAFF highlighted DCG Niagwan’s swift response to industry complaints and her effective resolution strategies.
Despite criticism from certain categories of port operators, NAGAFF believes that DCG Niagwan’s methods are significantly beneficial to the broader industry and the nation at large.
Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko, the National Coordinator of the Team, conveyed this message of appreciation in the press statement even as he assured DCG Niagwan of NAGAFF’s unwavering support.
The association stressed that it remains committed to providing continuous assistance and cooperation, while also encouraging the DCG to remain steadfast in her efforts.
Part of the statement read; “This solidarity comes amidst rumors of private companies attempting to assume the role of revenue collection for customs duties – a responsibility traditionally held by the federal government. These companies allegedly claim they can exceed the service’s annual revenue targets by up to three hundred percent in the first year, with plans to increase this margin in subsequent years.”
“NAGAFF has firmly opposed these rumored takeovers, asserting that the current customs management, under the leadership of DCG Niagwan, is fully capable of handling revenue collection. The association credits the present success to the innovative measures and strategies implemented by the tariffs and trade unit.”
“We, on the field can testify to the increased revenue accruing to the federal government since the new management took over. Lest we forget; this road had been travelled before with PIDA. The sour taste had lingered up till now.”
According to the group, the attendant delays arising from ignorance of customs procedures and processes caused a lot of disquiet in the past and officers morale was dampened and their professional integrity compromised.
