By Kenneth Jukpor
The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ali (rtd.) has agreed to reverse his earlier decision to stop the use of barges to evacuate cargoes from the seaports.
An industry stakeholder who preferred annoynmity revealed this during an exclusive chat with MMS Plus newspaper, even as he commended the Customs boss for the humility and speed to rescind his earlier decision after outcry of industry operators.
“This is a commendable development. It shows that the Customs Comptroller-General, Hammed Ali has a listening ear. It means he has the interest of the ports and the nation’s shipping sector at heart”, the source said.
The decision to stop the use of barges attracted wide criticisms with the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) stating its displeasure and labeling the earlier directive “this wicked policy.”
More details on the new directive by the Customs boss will be disclosed shortly.
