Government’s Rice Importation Policy Woes

• Ships Laden with Rice Diverts To Neighbouring Port
• Shipping Agencies Close Shop
• Customs Counts Losses, Battles Rising Smuggling
The Federal Government’s policy on rice importation which has shot duty to an all-time high of 110 percent is crippling businesses in Nigeria and boosting activities at the neighbouring Benin Republic’s Cotonou port.
Shipping Position Daily investigations revealed so many adverse effects of the policy, which government says is meant to boost local production of the staple food.
Investigations have revealed that no fewer than three shipping agencies that handle the commodities are on the verge of closing down there offices in Lagos.
Sources confirmed to our correspondent that some the shipping agencies that handle rice import have diverted their attention to importation of items like: crude palmolein, fertilizers, bulk malt and frozen fish.

DIPLOMACY AT ITS BEST: Indian Sailor; Captain Sunil James, freed from Togo jail after five months, finally home for baby son's last rites

Indian merchant navy captain Sunil James, released after five months in a jail in Togo, today arrived in Mumbai to a homecoming weighed down by the tragic death of his baby son Vivaan earlier this month.

"I am relieved to be back home but I have duties to perform as a father, please respect that," Captain James told reporters as he landed in Mumbai.

PAAR: FG Extends Contract of Service Provider; Web Fontaine By Eight Months

...Clearing Agents Express Skepticisms Over CGC's Provisional Release

Fresh indications have emerged that the Federal Government has extended the contract of service provider; Web Fontaine Limited to manage its internet server under the implementation of its newly developed Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR)
This fact came to the fore last week when the Customs Area Controller of the Apapa Area 1 command of the Nigeria Customs Service; Mr Charles Edike visited the secretariat of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in Apapa, Lagos.
Edike revealed that the Web Fontain is still working alongside the ICT department of the customs service in order to help manage its server under the new regime.

PIRACY: Global West Vessel Specialist Acquires 3 Vessels

The Director General, NIMASA, Mr. Ziakede Patrick Akpobolokemi.

• NIMASA Set To Position SAR Marshals At Jetties

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) says Global West Vessels Specialist (GWVS) Limited has provided more platforms to protect the eastern parts of the maritime domain in a bid to provide security.

This was made known yesterday by the Executive Director, Maritime Safety and Shipping Development;  Captain Ezekiel Agaba at a stakeholders interactive forum put together by agency in Lagos.

Agaba stated that the three medium size deep-sea going vessels will be deployed to the Escravos, Port Harcourt and Forcadoes axis to protect and secure the coast from pirate and sea robbery attacks on vessels plying the routes.
"Three of the new vessels had arrived, they are somewhere around the Tin Can Island river , they are undergoing some fittings at the moment and they will soon be sent out to places like Port Harcourt, Escravos in other monitor and regulate activities at sea", he disclosed.

Tanker Drivers Dare Fashola Over Apapa-Oshodi Expressway Quit Order

 ...LASTMA to Begin Evacuation Today

There are indications that Petroleum Tanker Drivers under the aegis of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Workers (NUPENG) may be testing the willpower of the Lagos State Governor; Babatunde Fashola over the incessant indiscriminate  parking of their trucks  on the Apapa-Oshodi expressway.

Investigations by Shipping Position Daily at the tank farms in Apapa, Lagos yesterday revealed that many of the tankers were still seen in their large numbers on the expressway, even after a 72-hour ultimatum was issued to them by the Lagos state government to vacate the expressway.

Some of the drivers who spoke with our correspondent yesterday argued that petroleum tankers are not the major cause of the congestion witnessed on the expressway and that the Lagos government should rather focus on activities of container-laden trucks at the Tin Can island port gate.

They also pointed out that the bad traffic situation is also caused by the ongoing construction works along the expressway.

Pirates Abduct Greek, Ukrainian From Ship Off Nigeria

Pirates have attacked an oil products tanker off the coast of Nigeria and kidnapped its Ukrainian captain and a Greek engineer, Greek coast guard officials said on Tuesday.

The 6,500 tonne Marshall Islands-flaggged MT ALTHEA with 18 crew on board was attacked by a group of 10 pirates, the officials said. The ship’s manager, Piraeus-based Medtankers Management, confirmed the attack.

• Anxiety Over Customs PAAR Builds Up

CG Deploys ACG's To Commands

 

The palpable fear in the folds of the Nigeria Custom Service over the imminent breakdown of its newly-launched Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) has continued, even as more senior officers of the service were yesterday deployed to commands in Lagos to monitor field operations.

Shipping Position Daily gathered at two of the biggest commands in Lagos; that is, Tin Can Command and the Apapa Command that a team of six Assistant Comptrollers General were deployed to Lagos by the Customs Comptroller General; Dikko Abdullahi Inde in order to ensure that officers are closely monitored and supervised so as not to allow the PAAR fail.

The deployment of the senior officers comes less than one week after the Customs hierarchy acknowledged that the scheme is not working as planned and that it was encountering major challenges.

ANLCA, NAGAFF, 10 Others Gang-up Against CRFFN, Terminal Operators

There are indications that the importance of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria may soon be eroded while the Seaport and Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN) may be in for a tough fight as stakeholders in the maritime industry have teamed up to set up a body for the regulation of the freight forwarding and port practice.

The group called; Maritime Advocacy and Action Group (MAAG) was inaugurated in Lagos yesterday with big wigs like: the Chairman of Port Consultative Council; Otunba Kunle Folarin, President of ANLCA, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, NAGAFF Founder, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, President of NAGAFF, Eugene Nweke, President of Lagos Shippers Association, Rev. Jonathan Nicole, and National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA) represented by Chief Festus Ejiofor.

Others that were in attendance include; AMATO Chairman, Remi Ogungbemi, AREFFN President, Dr Frank Ukor, Lagos Chamber of Commerce represented by Mrs Julie Ogboru, Chairman of Multitrade Group, Mr. Al hassan Dantata as well as representatives from NARTO and RTEAN.

Uncertainties Over Customs And Excise Management Act

Comptroller-General of Customs, Abdullahi Dikko Inde.

•         Stakeholders Raise Fresh Protests
•         President Jonathan to meet with the OPS, Economic Summit Group

There are strong indications that the Presidency is having a re-think over the controversial Customs and Excise Management Bill that has been passed by the National Assembly and is among the Bills that are currently awaiting the President’s assent.
There are about two layers of opposition to the bill. One is the Organized Private Sector (OPS) which has remained undaunted in its opposition to CEMA since its days at the National Assembly. The second group comprises of senior officials of the Finance Ministry who fought hard to see that the Bill was not passed at the two legislative chambers, but failed due to what insiders called the lobbying power of the Customs.
Since it was given concurrent passage by the Senate almost five months ago, and forwarded to President Goodluck Jonathan for assent, nothing has been heard about it.

Supreme Court Clears Chief Bode George Of Corruption As NPA Board Chairman

A panel of judges at the Supreme Court of Nigeria has quashed the conviction handed Chief Bode George earlier jailed for corruption by a Lagos High Court.

PAAR: Customs Sack 13 Officers

Tthe Comptroller General of Customs, Dikko Inde Abdullahi.

• Admits hiccups with implementation of the new destination inspection procedure 

• Says over 99,000 inherited RAR's clogging system
• Anxiety looms over congestion at ports

Barely a week after taking over destination inspection duties from service providers and less than a week of issuing the first Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR), the Nigeria Customs Service has acknowledged that the scheme is not working out as planned because PAAR is currently encountering major challenges.

According to the Customs, more than 99, 300 Risk Assessment Report (RAR) were transferred to the Customs by the ‘sacked’ three destination inspection service providers and this is already causing congestion in the issuance of fresh PAAR on imported goods.

Even though stakeholders have described this as a deliberate attempt by the three service providers;

Navy Imports Two War Ships From China

In order to meet operational needs and effectively police the waterways, the Nigerian Navy has placed order for two war ships from the Republic of China,
Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba,  has disclosed that the Nigerian Navy has placed an order for two warships from Republic of China.
According to Ezeoba, one ship would be launched in China in January 2014 and brought down while the second would be delivered second quarter of the year.
He spoke in Calabar, Cross River State during the annual inspection of naval facilities and formations in the Eastern Naval Command.
He said the new ships would give the Navy the needed capacity and edge to effectively combat sea piracy and oil theft which are all acts of economic sabotage.

Tambuwal Urges EFCC To Prosecute Oil Thieves

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal

The Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal, has urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to arrest and prosecute suspected crude oil thieves in the country.

Tambuwal made the call at the inauguration of the House of Representatives Ad hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft in the Nigeria on Wednesday in Abuja.
According to him, EFCC must act in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies to achieve its objective.
"The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, for instance, should be made to take a closer look at those behind the transportation and purchase of stolen oil in the country,
"It should act in conjunction with other international law enforcement agencies, for criminal prosecution under the procedure of Mutual Legal Assistance."

FG Vs Lagos State Government Feud Over Water Transportation Gets Dirty 1

• ‘Federal’ NIWA Labels ‘Lagos’ LASWA Operations On Waterways Illegal

... Sets To Concession Jetties To Private Operators Next Year

The festering cold relationship between the Federal Government and the Lagos State Government reached a crescendo yesterday with the Federal Government-owned  National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) declaring the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LAWSA) as an illegal body.

The verdict was conveyed by the Lagos Area Manager of NIWA; Engineer Muhammed Sambo yesterday at a one day sensitisation programme to attract investors to patronise water transport in the state.

"LASWA is an illegal creation and it means that it is not recognised by the laws of this country", he declared, even as he added that: "LASWA is a creation of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which purported to repeal the NIWA Act, in order for it to be in existence."

Senate To Investigate Alleged Missing 49.8bn Dollars NNPC Funds

The Senate in Abuja on Wednesday mandated its Committee on Finance to begin   investigation into the allegations that 49.8 billion dollars were missing from the Federation Account.
This followed a Point of Order on Matter of Urgent Importance raised by Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi (APC-Ekiti) who relied on the Senate Order 42.

Apapa Street Named After Ex- CRFFN Chair; Hakeem Olanrewaju

Immediate past Chairman, CRFFN;
Alhaji Hakeem Olarenwaju

Immediate past Chairman, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN),Alhaji Hakeem Olarenwaju has been honoured by the Lagos State government by naming the very popular, Borno Crescent after him.
The Borno Crescent, which is located in the heart of Apapa in the Apapa Local Government Area of Lagos State, has been renamed as Hakeem Olanrewaju Street.

Ogun State Govt Appoints Adviser On Olokola FTZ Project

The Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun.

The Ogun State Governor; Senator Ibikunle Amosun has appointed a new senior  adviser on special project, as part of the state’s commitment to ensuring that the Olokola Free Trade Zone  (FTZ) project , is actualised.

The governor made this known last weekend at the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2013. He was represented by the new appointee; Mr. Lekan Olumosin.

Amosun said the appointment of the special adviser was made last month as part of preparations to kick-start the deep sea port project.

The governor noted that the state has become a ‘Mecca of peace and tranquility which, according to him, his administration is working assiduously to put maximum security in place, a move which he said will attract investors.

He added that the Olokola FTZ must be achieved, stressing that the project is of the benefit for the people of South West and Nigeria in general.

Nigeria Ports Swimming In Corruption, Unqualified Personnel -ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission has released a damning report detailing how Nigerian ports are allegedly swimming in corruption and manned by unqualified personnel.
The report, entitled ‘Corruption Risk Assessment  in Nigerian ports’, was presented to the public yesterday in Abuja by the ICPC Chairman, Mr. Ekpo Nta.
The study was carried out in collaboration with United Nations Development Programme, Technical Unit on Governance and Anti-Corruption Reforms, the Bureau for Public Procurement, the Maritime Anti-Corruption Network, the Nigerian Ports Authority and others.
The assessment focused on ports in Calabar, Tincan, Apapa, Warri, Port-Harcourt and Onne to identify gaps and vulnerabilities to corruption in Nigerian ports and offer remedies to prevent the menace.

• ANLCA Commissions Ultra Modern Secretariat At Airport

L-R: ANLCA President; Prince Olayiwola Shittu (3rd from left)
joined by Cordinator Zone A' Nigeria Custom Service;
ACG Victor Gbemudu and other members of ANLCA board of trustee members
 to cut the cake at the opening of the ANLCA secretariat at Muritala Muhammed
Chapter  in Lagos yesterday.
INSET: ANLCA President;Prince Olayiwola Shittu unveiling
the plaque to commission the ultra modern secretariat of the Muritala
Muhammed Airport Chapter of the association in Lagos yesterday

Reiterates Support For PAAR

The Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) yesterday commissioned its newly-built ultra modern secretariat at the Muritala Muhammed Airport amidst a lot of fanfare.
The commissioning was graced by arrowheads of the association, including its National President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, Board of Trustees members led by its Chairman, Chief Henry Njoku, as well as the Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs, Alhaji Inde Dikko Abdullahi who was represented by the Zone ‘A' Cordinator of the service; ACG Victor Gbemudu.
Also present at the occasion were the Managing Directors of NAHCO Aviance and SAHCOL, National Airspace Management, Customs Airport Controller and the Commissioner of Police, airport command.
Speaking at the event, ANLCA President, Prince Olayiwola Shittu lauded the Murtala Moahmmed Airport  Chapter of the association for ensuring that the ultra-modern secretariat was finished under eleven months of their being in office.

Customs CG, Please Concentrate On PAAR, CEMA, Leave Terminal Operators, Shipping Companies Alo

Customs Comptroller General; Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde

Listening to the Customs Comptroller General; Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde speak last week during his tour of commands and the various meetings with stakeholders’ in Lagos, reminds me of a victorious  Emperor , who is desirous of more empires or captives .

In a bold reference to the eventual take-over of Destination Inspection scheme from the service providers, Dikko declared that he was taking the ‘war’ to yet another territory. Hear him- "Having fought the service providers, it is time to fight concessionaires and shipping companies"! "We should not allow people come into Nigeria with a briefcase and go back with a bus full of our money”.

Again, Vehicle Identity Thieves Resurface At Tin Can Ports

•         Syndicate Based in Belgium
•         Accomplices Found Among Customs Officers, Clearing Agents

A syndicate which specializes in tampering with relevant identity documents of imported second hand vehicles has resurfaced at the Tin Can Island port in Lagos.
Shipping Position Daily investigations revealed that the syndicate which has one leg in Europe is also backed actively by a team of licensed customs agents and some customs officers.
Even though, fingers were pointed at Tin Can port last year  by security official from the United States of America, recent revelations have confirmed that most vehicles; especially trucks which often come in from Europe are tampered with at the port.

PAAR: Customs To Acquire 50 Scanners

...As CG Indicts Cotecna, Others Over Epileptic Scanning Machines

In order to ensure efficiency in scanning of containers under its new Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) regime, the Nigeria Custom Service has expressed its readiness to import 50 modern scanners that will be deployed to various ports across the country.

This according to the Comptroller General of  Customs (CGC), Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi Inde, is to be imported over the next five years in order to complement the existing 21 scanners that were inherited from the three destination inspection service providers; Cotecna, SGS, and Global Scan Systems.

Addressing a press conference at the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone 'A’ in Ikeja yesterday, Dikko said that out of the 21 scanners that were inherited from service providers, only few of are functioning.

LASWA Moves 12 million passengers in 7 months

The Lagos State Waterways Authority has disclosed that at least 12million residents of Lagos State used the now-famous waterways transportation between January and July  2013.

The ridership also showed that out  of the  estimated more than 20million persons  currently residing in Lagos, about 1.8million use the waterways to move in and around the city on a monthly basis.
And apparently buoyed by the feat, the State Government  has also assured that it will focus more on water transportation development to ease traffic gridlock in the state in 2014.
A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Bisi Yusuf, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday.

Olokola FTZ Will Serve As Alternative To Lagos Port ----- NAGAFF

 As a build up to its Annual General Meeting (AGM) that is billed to hold this weekend, the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) has said that when completed, the Olokola Free Trade Zone in Ogun state will serve as a proximity to the seaports in Lagos state.
National President of NAGAFF; Chief Eugene Nweke disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Lagos yesterday.
The NAGAFF president also revealed that 25 per cent of freight forwarders operating in Lagos ports reside in Ogun State, urging the federal government to collaborate with the Ogun state government, because of its proximity to Lagos and the need for trade facilitation.
Nweke reiterated that Olokola as it stands covers a landscape of 10,000 hectares of land with three Free Trade Zones scattered all over the state which in turn is good for business.

Witness Say, Ex-DG NIMASA; Omatseye Did Not Supply Generators

Former Director General of NIMASA; 
Mr Temisan  Raymond Omatseye

The trial of former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA); Mr Temisan  Raymond Omatseye continued on Tuesday at the Federal High Court in Lagos where a prosecution witness, Mr Mohammed Shehu, told  the Court, that the ex-DG  did not execute contract for the supply of generator sets to NIMASA.
Omatseye is standing trial on an amended 27 count-charge of alleged contract scam.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecution, Mr Godwin Obla (SAN), fielded Shehu, a former Acting Director of Procurement in NIMASA.
Shehu told the court under cross examination that he had a duty to ensure that contracts awarded by the director-general were in compliance with the Public Procurement Act.
``It is my duty to ensure that due process is followed in the award of any contract as stipulated by the Public Procurement Act.

FEC Approves N221.9 Bn For Construction Of Lekki Deep Sea Port In Lagos

Minister of Transport, Alhaji Idris Umard

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday in Abuja approved the signing of an agreement for the development of the Lekki deep sea port in Lagos State.
The Minister of Transport, Alhaji Idris Umar, stated this while briefing State House correspondents on the outcome of the weekly FEC meeting presided over by Vice-President Namadi Sambo.
He said the seaport project would be executed at the cost of 1.345 billion dollars (about N221.9 billion).
Umar said it would be executed through the Private-Public-Partnership arrangement, and has been concessioned to Messrs Lekki Ports LFTZ Enterprise for 45 years.

Customs CG Blasts APM Terminal

• Says Firm Lied About Fixing Terminal In Apapa To World Standard

 

The Nigeria Customs Service has said that port concessionaire; APM Terminal had been peddling falsehood to its parent body; Maersk Line, about its level of efficiency in the port and about its operations at the Apapa port.

Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi leveled the allegation yesterday during a meeting with stakeholders at the Apapa port.

Dikko stated that he was moved to anger when he visited the headquarters of the APMT in the Netherlands last month and realized that the company in Apapa had sent video clips showing how it had purportedly developed the terminal to world standard.

But narrating his encounter, Dikko said that he disagreed sharply and that the APMT headquarters in Netherlands had decided to visit the Apapa port soon to ascertain the true picture of port development that has been done by APMT.

Customs CG; Dikko Flags-off Trade Hub Centre At Balogun Market

CG Customs; Alhaji Abdullahi Inde Dikko.

...Issues First PAAR in 58Minutes

The Nigeria Customs Service has commissioned a trade hub centre and information facilities at the Balogun market and other markets situated within the Trade Fair Complex as part of processes to officially usher-in the Nigerian Trade Hub and the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) regime.

The centre according to the Custom boss is to assist the traders in securing information about products and their status even before attempts are made to import them.

Dikko mandated the ICT unit of the customs to ensure that competent hands are trained among the traders so that the centre can be handed over to them. He assured that the centre will be handed over to the traders as soon as competent hands have been trained by customs to carry on operation of the facility.

Nigerian sailor; Harrison Okene who survived for almost three days underwater

Harrison Odjegba Okene, second left, poses inside a decompression 

chamber with members of the DCN Diving team who saved his life

 after being trapped for three days underwater. (DCN Diving)  

Do you remember the accident involving JASON 4 in May this year, wherein all the crew aboard the Tug Boat sank along with the craft?

Harrison Okene, 29, spent two days trapped in freezing cold water and breathing from an air bubble in an upturned tugboat.

Aggrieved Clearing Agents Protest At TICT

• Over Plans By Terminal Operator To  SignAgreement With A New Shipping Line, Alleged Incompetence
Aggrieved freight forwarders operating at Tin Can Island port yesterday staged a protest at Tin Can Island Container Terminal (TICT) over alleged arbitrary charges,  incompetence, and moves by the concessionaire into enter a new deal with a certain shipping company called Arab Shipping Line.
Some of the placards that were carried by the  agents and which were sighted by Shipping Position Daily  read: "TICT enough is a enough" ,"we need to stop all the arbitrary charges by the terminal operators ,TICT is a 419 ",Fake auctions to fresh containers" Arab Shipping please avoid TICT, they are incompetent".
The protest which started at the head office of TICT at Point Road in Apapa at about 9.am, was later taken to the terminal at the port at about 11 am.

Customs CG; Dikko's Visit Paralyses Commercial Activities At Tin Can Port

Scores of freight forwarders who were yesterday locked out of
Tin Can Island Command of Customs for hours
during the visit of the Customs CG

• “I Remain Custom Boss”---CG Brags

Activities were placed on hold yesterday at the Tin Can Island Port when the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC); Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi Inde visited the Tin Can command of the service to update officers about take over of destination inspection from the service providers.
The visit was part of the CGC’s one-week long working tour of all commands in Lagos and series of sensitization meetings scheduled with stakeholders.
Scores of freight forwarders were spotted yesterday by Shipping Position Daily at the entrance of the Tin Can Custom command protesting under the scorching sun that they were not allowed to carry out their legitimate businesses for several hours. Some of the freight forwarders also complained of being harassed by officers of the Tin Can customs command.

Ogun Governor Gives Kudos To NAGAFF Over Olokola Free Trade Zone

The Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun has commended the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF) over the association’s commitment to the development of the maritime industry in particular, and the nation in general.

Governor Amosun gave this commendation on Friday while playing host to a delegation of NAGAFF which paid him a courtesy visit in his office at
Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta as part of the preparations for the association’s Annual General Meeting which will holds in Abeokuta from Friday December 6, to Sunday December 8, 2013.

The Governor who was delighted at the presentation by the delegation on the benefits of the Olokola Free Trade Zone to the development of the state pledged the support of his government to NAGAFF on the AGM and the project.

Tafida becomes IMO 1st Vice President: So what?

Typically Nigeria, everyone have been congratulating Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the UK; Dr Dalhatu Tafida over his ‘election’ on Monday as the First Vice President of the 28th General Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

So, I begin to wonder if he actually campaigned for the post, or it was just the turn of West and Central Africa to occupy the position and the lot fell on Nigeria. The fact is - it was the turn of West Africa to fill the slot and Nigeria, having backed out of the contest for seat in the Council of the IMO was compensated.

Fresh Anxiety Over Customs CG’s Job

CG Customs, Alh. Abdullahi Inde Dokko.

Even though he was rumored to have been granted a tenure extension of two years, and even though some argued that his appointment is not tenured, there are indications that the appointment of the Comptroller  General of Nigeria Customs Service; Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde is once again shaking.
 Sources at the Ministry of Finance and the Customs Service confirmed to Shipping Position Daily that the Customs boss may have been handed a terminal letter to wind up in December.
 He was said to have been under intense pressure since August when his tenure expired from lobbyist who are bent on exiting him from the highly coveted office.
 Our correspondent also confirmed that contrary to speculations, the Customs CG has not received any official letter from either the Presidency or the supervisory Federal Ministry of Finance for him to continue to function as the head of Customs.

Rice Farmers Say Smuggling Will Hinder Success Of Rice Importation Policy

Chairman, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), South-West zone, Mr Olusegun Atho, has said that unless smuggling is tackled, the current policy on imported rice will yield no result.
He identified smuggling as the major factor that would hinder any ban on the imported commodity, just as it had adverse effect on local rice production.
According to him, “Government needs to come out and deal with the issue of smuggling, in order to encourage local growers.''
The Federal Government recently announced the plan to ban rice importation by 2014, in order to develop local production of the commodity.
But, Atho said in Lagos on Wednesday that government needed to provide incentives to farmers to become self-sufficient in rice production.

Delta Says Work’ll Soon Commence On $20 Billion Ogidigben EPZ

The Delta Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr Omamofe Pirah, yesterday announced that work on the Ogidigben Export Processing Zone, a joint-venture between the Federal Government and the Delta Government, would commence soon.
Pirah made the announcement in Asaba while presenting his mid-term report.
According to the commissioner, the export processing zone, estimated to cost about $20 billion (about N3.12 trillion), is located in the Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta.
He said that the EPZ would house a gas hub, a petrol-chemical plant, a methanol plant, a fertiliser plant, a seaport, a five-star hotel, banks and about 5,000 housing units.
The commissioner said that about 400 hectares of land, of the total 2,800 hectares acquired for the project, had been cleared.
He said also that the stakeholders have met and agreed to cooperate and build a viable export processing zone.
Pirah said that the project would create employment and contribute to the development of the state, the region and the nation.

THREE MONTHS AFTER KILLING12 PIRATES ON BOARD:

Chief of the Naval Staff; Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba.       

Navy Concludes Investigation On Hijacked MT NORTE Vessel

About three months after killing 12 pirates who had hijacked an oil tanker; MT Norte, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Dele Ezeoba, said yesterday that  the Nigerian Navy had concluded investigation on the suspects apprehended in connection with the hijacked vessel.

Ezeoba made this known to newsmen during his 2013 Annual Inspection tour of some facilities of the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Delta.

He said the four suspected sea pirates would soon be handed over to the appropriate quarters for prosecution.

The vessel was salvaged by five naval gunboats and NNS OBULA from the Central and Western Naval Command on Aug. 17.

In the rescue operation, 12 out of the 16 sea pirates were allegedly killed in a gun duel and four others were arrested.

Maersk Line, Others Rescues Lillypond Terminal Back To Life

 ·   Stakeholders Say Terminal Now Bubbling

There are fresh indications that port concessionaires; Lillypond Container Terminal Limited, which had announced intention of closing down its operations as a result of protracted losses, may have had a rethink, as shipping giant; Maesk Line in collaboration with other shipping lines has resumed stemming of containers to the terminal.

Shipping Position Daily investigations revealed that Maersk Line, as well as Pacific International Lines (PIL) were among the shipping companies that have been keeping hope going for operators at the terminal by stemming enough containers to the terminal to boost its operations.

Speaking with our correspondent at the terminal in Ijora Lagos yesterday, a member of the Presidential Task Force of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Mr. Emeka Chidiaka confirmed that at a stakeholders meeting held with the terminal operator, a decision was taken to keep activities going at the terminal.

Sacked Govt Agencies Return To Onne Port

Even though the Federal Government has reduced the number of agencies operating in the nation's seaports from 14 to 7, findings  revealed that about four of the sacked agencies still operate at the Onne port in Rivers State.
Some of the returnee agencies that were visible at the port are: Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) Port Quarantine Services, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
Shipping Position Daily correspondents at Onne port were told by an official of SON that there is a letter from the presidency which directed them to operate at the port.
The SON official (name withheld) also noted that the Onne port is not as busy as the Lagos ports; therefore there should be proper scrutiny of cargoes at the port.

“Freight Forwarders Will No Longer Be Held Liable For Importers’ Under-declaration”---Custom CG

The Nigeria Custom Service has said that freight forwarders will no longer be arrested for the short comings of their importers, especially as it concerns under-declaration of cargoes discovered on customs examination.

Comptroller General of Customs, Alhaji Dikko Inde Abdullahi gave the assurance in Lagos yesterday during a sensitization programme for Tin Can Island Port stakeholders on the newly developed Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) by the customs for the purpose of clearing cargoes from the port.

Dikko who was represented by Head of ICT Unit of the customs, Deputy Controller Bashar Yussuf assured that gone were the days where clearing agents will be arrested and prosecuted for wrong declaration of cargo by the importer.

He assured that once the customs has fully taken over destination inspection of cargoes at the port by 2014, the practice is going to be abolished. According to him, all the freight forwarder needed to do is to present the owner of the documents and the consignment to the custom service.

American Rescuers and Chinese Seafarer Receive IMO Award for Bravery at Sea 2013

American rescuers and a Chinese seafarer have been presented with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea 2013, during a special ceremony held on 25 November 2013 at IMO Headquarters in London.

Aviation Survival Technician Second Class Randy J. Haba and Aviation Survival Technician Second Class Daniel J. Todd of the United States Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, North Carolina, were nominated by the Government of the United States, for responding to a distress alert from HMS Bounty, during the pre-dawn hours of 29 October 2012, and overcoming the effects of cold, fatigue and ingesting sea water to deliver 14 crew members of HMS Bounty to safety, during Hurricane Sandy.

FG To Review Rice Tariff – Committee

 There is a strong indication] that the Federal Government may have a rethink about the high tariff on rice.
This indication was given b y the Chairman, Presidential Committee on Trade Malpractice, Alhaji Dahiru Ado-Kurawa, who said Government would soon review tariff on rice, to tackle smuggling and revenue loss.
Ado-Kurawa said  in Lagos that the planned downward review was aimed at reducing the level of smuggling of the commodity from Benin Republic.
He observed that the Federal Government introduced the rice policy of 110 per cent duty and levy in January, to boost local  rice production.
“The Federal Government will likely adjust the policy because it has escalated the influx of smuggled rice from neighbouring countries.
“Benin Republic is one of the highest importers of parboiled rice, the country that ordinarily imports about 230,000 tonnes  per annum.

Police Raid Okada Riders In Apapa



Officials and trucks of the Lagos State Task Force which raided
Apapa yesterday in search of commercial motorcycles
 popularly called Okada

The Lagos State Environmental Task Force yesterday raided cyclist operating at the Tin Can Island Port for operating in a prohibited area.

Even though the actual number of motorcycles seized could not be ascertained by Shipping Position Daily, our correspondent however spotted a truck load of seized motorcycles at the scene.

It was gathered that the task force had been invited by the Nigerian Ports Authority which had earlier banned operation of motorcyclists popularly known as "okada" within the port area.

Our correspondent noted that the raid at the port yesterday however led to port users getting stranded at the popular Custom Long Room because according to sources "the tricycles (Maruwa) shuttling within the Tin Can Port are not enough to transport operators"

Again, Customs CG Redeploys Areas Controller

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service;
Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde 

The Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service; Alhaji Dikko Abdulahi Inde  has again effected  another round redeployment of areas controller.
A total of 18 officers have been moved in the exercise which caught many unawares yesterday.

A document sighted yesterday by Shipping Position Daily in the Port Harcourt port command of the service revealed that seven controllers in Lagos command were affected in the shake up.

In the Lagos commands, Comptroller Egbudin Willy has been moved from Lilypond command to the Seme border Command, while Othman Saleh who was the heads the Seme Command has been moved to Tariff and Trade (T and T) at the Customs headquarters in Abuja.

Meanwhile Isah T.M who was in charge of T and T now takes over from Willy Egbudin at Lilypond command.

Others affected in the shake-up include: Ukaigbe P.C who has been transferred from Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in Zone ‘A’ to the Kirikiri Lighter Terminal (KLT) command while Abubakar B now takes charge of PCA.

Stakeholders Advocate For Creation Of Coast Guard

Following the incessant attack, kidnapping and killing of seafarers on the nation's territorial water, a renewed case has been made to the federal government by stakeholders for the creation of a Coast Guard to serve as para-military organ in the fight to secure the waterways and coast.
The stakeholders reiterated that NIMASA as a maritime agency of government is saddled with too many responsibilities and there is the need to create an outfit that can take the responsibility of the agency and police our waters.
According to them, Coast Guard can serve as the maritime security agency, and will be saddled with the responsibility of curbing all illegal activities that rae currently very rampant at sea.
Registrar, Freight Forwarding Academy Nigeria (FFAN),Mazi Joseph Anabaroanye told Shipping Position Daily,last week in Lagos that the Act which established NIMASA shows that it has a lot of responsibilities, thus an outfit should be created to address safety on the nation's territorial waters.
Anabaroanye said that the rate of  attacks on seafarers is alarming,  therefore it needs to be addressed through the creation of a para-military out.

NIMASA Set To Launch On-Line Portal

Baring any last minute change, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) is expected to launch its newly created on-line data base this week.
Developed by an indigenous firm, the new platform incorporates all aspects of the agency’s activities and it is expected to serve as a first-hand solution provider for all enquiries about the agencies operations.
The elated chief executive officer of the firm who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent on Friday that it is the first of its kind in the history of the apex maritime regulatory agency.

FEW DAYS TO HANDOVER:

Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service; Alh. Abdullahi Dikko Inde
 and Nigeria Minister of Finance; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

FG Under Pressure Over Destination Inspection Contract
Stakeholders Skeptical Over PAAR, Trade Hub

 

There are grave uncertainties over the expected take-over next week of the destination inspection scheme by the Nigeria Customs Service.
There are anxieties that government may again bow to the renewed pressure being mounted by lobbyists for a further extension of the contract of the four destination inspection service providers to 2014 fiscal year.
The three service providers are: Globalscan Systems Limited, SGS, and Cotecna Destination Inspection Nigeria Limited and Webb Fontaine.
Sources close to the various interests  in Lagos and Abuja confirmed that no final decision has been taken about the June 1 to November 30, 2013 contract extension which was earlier granted by the Federal Government  through the Minister of Finance; Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala.

Maritime Academy, Oron Plans To Acquire Ship

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) in Oron, Akwa Ibom, says it has concluded plans to acquire a 300-man capacity ship to train cadets of the institution.
Rector of the institution;  Mr Joshua Okpo, disclosed this yesterday  when members of the Akwa Ibom Council of Correspondents Chapel of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) visited him.
He said that his mission at the academy was to train world-class professionals for the maritime sector of the economy.
Okpo said that his administration was striving to provide adequate infrastructure to position the institution as an ideal academic community.
According to him, the academy has achieved 24-hour electricity supply and constant supply of potable water.
He said that the institution had embarked on expansion of facilities which included development of staff housing estate, standard swimming pool, market and places of worship.

Clearing Agent Charged With N900,000 Fraud

A Clearing Agent, Yinka Akande, who allegedly obtained N900, 000 under false pretences, yesterday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates' Court.
Fifty-two-year-old Akande, who resides at No. 6, Yinka Akande St., Edu Igbesa, Ogun, is standing trial on a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp Chinalu Uwadione, said that the accused obtained the sum from Mr Kelly Aburime on the pretext of clearing a container of goods for him.

Customs CG Vows To Prosecute Officers On Highways

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service;
Abdullahi Dikko Inde.

• Promises To Integrate Terminal Charges On Trade Hub

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dikko Inde Abdullahi has assured that the service is ready to fish out and prosecute officers who engage in stopping of dully-cleared containers from the ports on any highway in Nigeria.

Head of Customs ICT centre, Deputy Controller Bashir Yusuf dropped the hint yesterday at a stakeholders meeting to sensitize importers, exporters and freight forwarders on the new trade platforms developed by the service namely; the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) the Nigerian Trade Hub as well as the Single Window platform.

While speaking on some of the provisions of the PAAR which the service intends to deploy into use from January 1, 2014, Bashir said that any consignment that has passed through the green channel and dully cleared by customs will not be stopped by any officer at checkpoints on highways.

Nigeria Imports N400Billion Vehicles Annualy Since 2008 – NAC

Still basking in the euphoria of the newly-introduced National Automobile Policy, which favours indigenous auto assembly plants, director general of the National Automotive Council (NAC); Mr Aminu Jalal has lamented the almost comatose nature of the industry in Nigeria.
He said yesterday that, Nigerian’s penchant for purchase of imported vehicles has been causing the nation about N400Billion annually since 2008.
Jalal said that data from the Nigerian Automotive Manufacturers’ Association indicted that installed capacity of the Nigerian Automotive Industry surpassed annual vehicular demand.
“Annual installed capacity in assembling is 150,000 units, valued at N550 billion.
“A total of 70,000 new and 200,000 used vehicles, valued at over N400 billion, are imported annually since 2008.

Nigeria's Maritime Piracy Ransoms Spiral Upwards

With claims that a $2m ransom was paid to release two US crew last week there are increased fears that this will serve to encourage other groups to kidnap for ransom in the Gulf of Guinea.

EFCC Arraigns Man For Forgery Of Crude Oil Export Documents

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned one Franklin Uche before Justice G.K. Olotu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on forgery and conspiracy to defraud.
The accused allegedly forged Export Clearance Permit, a document usually issued by the Ministry of Trade and Investment, and which is a major requirement for the lifting of crude oil.
The offence is contrary to Section 6 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006 and Section 1 (2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap. M.17 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Oando Constructs Private Jetty In Apapa

Leading downstream operator in the oil and gas sector;  Oando Terminals Ltd. has confirmed said it had started constructing a jetty in Apapa to provide more efficient platform to deliver petroleum products to oil marketers.

The company said in a statement in Lagos issued by its spokesman, Mr Johnson Azuara-Kelvin, that the jetty would serve oil marketers currently using Moman Jetty.

It said that work on the facility was nearing completion.

Oando’s disclosure however comes about two weeks after Nigerian Ports Authourity (NPA) branch of the Senior Staff Association of Communications Transport and Corporation (SSACTAC) condemned  moves by another petroleum product marketing firm; NIPCO Plc to set up a 1.5kilometre petroleum pipeline tank farm facilities from the popular Waziri jetty.

The SSACTAC had also raised the alarm of any attempt by the oil and gas firm to establish a tank farm at NPA dockyard facilities, in Apapa which, according to them, has the tendency to impede free flow vessels calling at the ports.

Clearing Agent In Court Over Alleged N1.1m Fraud

A clearing agent, Ifeanyi Anosike, 41, who allegedly stole N1.1 million belonging to his customer, was yesterday charged before an Ebute-Meta Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos.
Anosike of No. 5, Ayomide St., Off Highman Road, Ota in Ogun, is facing a two-count charge of fraud and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Asu Feddy, told the court that the incident took place between June 13 and July 21 at No.24, Awowede St., Surulere, Lagos.
He said that the accused obtained the money from the complainant under the pretext of helping him to clear a vehicle from the port.
According to the prosecutor, the accused collected the money from the complainant but did not deliver the vehicle to him.
He said that the accused disappeared with the money, but was later arrested by the police.
The accused is charged under Sections 285 and 312 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

American Security Expert Says Ransom Payout Will Prompt More West African Piracy Attacks

Claims by the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) that a $2m ransom was paid to release two US crew last week will only encourage other groups to kidnap for ransom, C-Level Maritime Risks founder Michael Frodl has warned.
The master and the chief engineer were seized from C-Retriever, an Edison Chouest-owned offshore supply vessel off Brass, on October 23.
On November 12 the US Department of State confirmed that the two men had been released but refused to divulge details, refusing to say whether a ransom was paid.
However, MEND said in a statement that a $2m ransom was paid for the men’s release.

Freight Forwarders Evicted From Lagos Airport

...Custom Says It Has Reduced Clustering

Months after the Federal Airports Authority (FAAN) directed freight forwarders to evacuate from the popular NAHCO complex at the airport, the agents have finally been pushed out to a permanent site provided for them by the airport management.

Speaking with Shipping Position Daily correspondent at the airport on Monday, image maker of the airport command of the Nigeria Custom Service, Mrs Thelma Williams said that the move has reduced the ever-present crowd at the NACHO-Hajj Camp complex.

Thelma told our correspondent that, contrary to what was obtainable in the past where freight forwarders loiter around the SAHCOL and NAHCO warehouses, they are now allowed into the premises only when they have genuine transactions.

FG Increases Tariff On Imported Vehicles

CG  Customs, Alh. Abdullahi Inde Dokko
and Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

 • Grants Auto Manufactures Duty-free Concession
• Operatives, Others Keep Mum

Even though there is no official confirmation from Customs yet, the much-expected take-off of Federal Government’s new automobile policy may have taken-off, following a circular for a review of tariffs and levies payable on some categories of imported vehicles.
Sources at the Customs headquarters confirmed to our correspondent yesterday that, indeed there is a circular from the Minister of Finance ordering an upward review of revenue payable on imported ‘fully built unit’ (FBU) cars.
The sources however hinted that the circular, has not immediacy attached to it. They told our correspondent yesterday that, it may not take effect until January and that it is probably to serve as an advice for importers who want to open new Letters of Credit.

NIMASA Fingered In Alleged Payment Of $2Million Ransom On Kidnapped American Sailors

DG NIMASA: Ziakede Akpobolokemi and
MEND LEADERS: Henry Okah

Even though the government of the United State of America has said it did not pay any ransom for the release of its kidnapped citizens who were abducted in Nigeria,  but who were freed last week, the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) has alleged that the Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration Agency (NIMASA) paid part of the money used to secure the release of the kidnapped American sailors.

The militant group which had in the early days of the American hostage issue, claimed to have a link to the captives, however opened up on  how the Americans regained their freedom.
 In a statement issued Saturday night by its spokesperson, Jomo Gbomo, MEND said the NIMASA contributed a large chunk of the $2million demanded by the militant group.

“Following the due process, a ransom of 2 million US dollars in cash was paid, with a larger percentage of it coming from an embarrassed Nigerian Maritime and Safety Administration Agency (NIMASA)”, the militant group alleged.