NAGAFF to Liberate more Young Freight Forwarders in 2023

NAGAFF to  Liberate more Young Freight Forwarders in 2023

National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF,  has promised that more young Freight Forwarders will be liberated in 2023.

NAGAFF President said this  in his Christmas and New Year message sent to his members and  the maritime community.

He felicitate with the Founder of NAGAFF, Dr Boniface Aniebonam, Board and NEC  members and entire members of NAGAFF for the achievements recorded in 2022, especially liberation of young freight forwarders, which according to him NAGAFF as a movement will continue to do in 2023, and said 2023 will be  better than 2022.

"In the maritme Industry we all understand  what the problems are, and NAGAFF as the  umbrella as our Founder used to say , NAGAFF is a Movement and this liberation, trying to liberate young freight forwarders . 

We tried the much we could do this year and by next year, 2023 , we will strive harder making sure young freight forwarders are being liberated . That we promised we do in 2023". 

Speaking further on some government policies and operational  challenges faced by freight forwarders in 2022, he said the restrictions of Forex on 41 items by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the introduction of the Vehicle Identification Number ( VIN) Valuation causes some disruption in the sector in 2022.

" In 2023 we will be happy to usher in a new President for the Country. We hope he has a listening ear . Actually the major problem in 2022 was the 41 items , they are not contraband items, but government said they are not raising Forex, that was the major problem we have in 2022, because these items constitute like 60% of imports. And so people will bring them in calling it different names as a way of survival. And looking at it , Government did not ban the 41 items. So if the new president look into those  41 items, lifting it from Forex ban , it will go a long way to improve the economy in the coming year". 

Esisi while accessing the maritime industry in 2022 said some of the government policies like the VIN Valuation policy and jacking up of Pre -Arrival Assessment Report, PAAR, by the Nigeria Customs Service,  NCS, though was in goodwill , but the administration of the policies causes hardship for freight forwarders and Nigerians and hope the next government in 2023 will address the various policies affecting the sector in the new year.

" I wish all my Members and other stakeholders in the maritme Industry , a PROSPEROUS new year".

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APM Terminals Apapa bags NPA HSE Platinum Merit Award

APM Terminals Apapa bags NPA HSE Platinum Merit Award

APM Terminals Apapa has received the Nigeria Ports Authority  Platinum Merit Award for its excellent performance in Health, Safety and Environment areas. 

The biggest terminal operator in the Lagos Port Complex made this known through its LinkedIn account yesterday.

According to the statement, “We are so excited that we have received the 2022 Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Lagos Ports Complex, HSE Committee Merit Award.

“The award ceremony is an annual event to acknowledge and honor port operators within the Lagos Ports Complex that have distinguished themselves in area of health, safety and environment compliance.

“Among the port terminal operators’ category for 2022, APM Terminals Apapa has received the highest award, Platinum Marit Award, for our continuous excellent performance in health, safety and environment areas.

“This great honor is a demonstration of our continued commitment to improving health, safety and environment, not just within the terminal but also within the port facility.”

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FG introduced fresh 0.5 Levy on imported goods for certainty, sustainability of African union, other key development institutions.

FG introduced fresh 0.5 Levy on imported goods for certainty, sustainability of African union, other key development institutions.

The Federal Government has initiated plans to introduce 0.5 per cent levy on imported goods to raise funds to meet its obligations to the African Development Bank, the World Bank and other multilateral organisations.

It was contained in a document titled ‘Invitation to a One Day Public Hearing and Submission of Memoranda on the 2022 Finance Bill,’ released by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance.

The new levy was introduced into the 2022 Finance Bill under Sector 13 for Customs, Excise, Tariff, etc. (Consolidation) Act. 

According to the document, “In addition to extant customs duties and other approved charges, a levy of 0.5 per cent is hereby imposed on all eligible goods imported into Nigeria from outside Africa to finance capital contributions, subscriptions and other financial obligations to the African Union, African Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development, Islamic Development Bank, United Nations and other multilateral institutions as may be designated by regulation issued by the minister responsible for finance.”

The government explained in the document that the amendment was essential to ensure certainty and sustainability of funding of the African Union and other key multilateral development institutions, “to bring into effect the Decision of the Outcome of the Retreat of the Assembly of the African Union (Assembly/AU/Dec.605; XXVII), and Federal Executive Council decision”.

The government will also tax all revenues from cryptocurrency and digital assets as well revenues from lottery operations and prizes.

The Finance Act, 2022 may take effect from 1st January 2023, if it is passed by the National Assembly and assented by President Muhammadu Buhari before this year ends.

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Government not ready to entertain any contravention of the parking law - LASPA

Government  not ready to entertain any  contravention of the parking law - LASPA

Lagos State Parking Authority, LASPA, has expressed dismay over the illegal parking perpetrated by customers of some night clubs on major roads across the state during the festive season.

General Manager, LASPA, Mrs Adebisi Adelabu,  in Lagos, described the act as an infraction of the State Parking Law.

She said that the authority was ready to go all out against violators of the state’s parking law.

Adelabu said that the authority, while conducting monitoring and compliance exercise across the state’s metropolis during the holiday, observed that a lot of night clubs encourage illegal parking on major roads.

She said that the indiscriminate parking on the major roads by the night clubs’ customers had  been causing heavy gridlock and inconvenience for motorists.

Adelabu noted that such incessant act by night clubs negated government’s continuous efforts towards improving the parking culture, reducing traffic congestion and drive time hour.

‘’Government is not ready to entertain any form of contravention of the parking law in the state.

 “Hence, we will take necessary actions against erring clubs, especially those situated in residential/high density or high traffic flow areas of the state,” 

The General Manager commended some night clubs for their compliance with the authority’s zero tolerance mandate for indiscriminate parking.

She, however, advised the non-complying night clubs to obtain parking permit from the authority and get alternative land for parking.

She said that punitive measures for defaulting outlets, including closing of facilities, clamping/towing of vehicles, among other sanctions, would be taken.

LASPA general manager said that the LASPA would continue to enlighten residents on the effect of indiscriminate parking, underlining its huge effect on traffic congestion across the metropolis.

Adelabu said that LASPA plans to begin full implementation of parking policy in 2023.

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Jamoh is leading the country towards realising Blue Economy - Senator Goje

Jamoh is leading the country towards realising Blue Economy - Senator Goje

The Chairman Senate Committee on Marine Transport, Senator Danjuma Goje has described Dr.  Bashir Jamoh, OFR, DG NIMASA,  as a patriotic Nigerian dedicated to the economic development of the nation’s economy through the maritime sector. 

The Chairman of the induction ceremony of the investiture of Dr. Jamoh, as a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, Senator Goje,  noted the role Jamoh is playing in leading the country towards realizing the Blue Economy as well as the success of the Agency-driven Deep Blue Project in reducing maritime crimes in Nigerian waters.

He said that having worked closely with Jamoh as Chairman of the Senate Committee supervising NIMASA, he can attest to the strong work ethic of Jamoh and his dedication to serving the Nigerian maritime industry.

“I can confidently say that having amassed 32 years of service in the Nigerian maritime industry, Dr. Jamoh has proven himself to be a true Nigerian dedicated to the unity and economic growth of the nation. I know that he loves the maritime industry because at a stage when he could have pursued other endeavours, he chose to remain involved in the industry and I believe that the nation as a whole, has benefited from that decision”

The Director General,  NIMASA, in his response,  dedicated the Fellowship to every stakeholder in the industry for the enormous support he has received throughout his tenure without which he wouldn’t have been able to get much done while committing to continue giving his best towards developing the sector.“

Jamoh further assured NIIA  to be a good Ambassador of the institute

"Let me take this opportunity to thank every stakeholder in the Nigerian maritime sector for the support and backing they have provided myself and the Agency without which we would not have been able to achieve much. Equally, let me assure the Institute that being inducted as a Fellow will spur me on to do more for the development and economic growth of the nation. In this way, I hope to also be a good ambassador of the Institute”

.Director General of NIIA,  Prof. Eghosa Osaghae said that the Governing Board of the Institute unanimously approved Jamoh’s Fellowship of NIIA based on his achievements as NIMASA Chief Executive Officer. 

His words “We have followed with keen interest his performance as CEO of NIMASA and we have noticed the gradual and steady acceptance of Nigerian maritime industry in the global community. International collaboration midwifed by NIMASA under his leadership has seen to the reduction of criminality in Nigerian waters and acknowledged globally. The recent visit of the IMO Secretary General to Nigeria is also a confirmation that Nigeria is on the right track. We hope that this Fellowship will encourage him to serve Nigeria more”.

 

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NAGAFF advised Freight Forwarders to embrace Professionalism...Stop political blackmail - Aniebonam

NAGAFF advised Freight Forwarders to embrace 

Professionalism

...Stop political blackmail - Aniebonam 

The National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, NAGAFF has call on all freight forwarders to embrace professionalism and he advised all maritime stakeholders to vote their conscience in the forth coming 2023 general elections.

The founder, NAGAFF and New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, Dr. Boniface Aniebonam while addressing stakeholders at the  association's 23rd Anniversary banquet in Lagos,  stressed the need for freight forwarders to embrace professionalism to ensure they are adequately educated and certified to be professionals in their business and also vote the right candidate into government offices.

He also enjoined all freight forwarders to ensure CRFFN is taking back from the full control of the government noting that its not a government agency.

Aniebonam informed that NNPP was founded in 2001 as a platform to encourage young minds to showcase their talents and popularity in order to  provide change for the narratives in Politics and government in Nigeria.

Dr. Aniebonam urged all stakeholders to support  NNPP, and stop all forms of political blackmail but vote their conscience in the forthcoming 2023 General elections.

"NAGAFF at 23 is the first link of what God wants me to do for him and that has to do with the liberation struggle creating opportunities for the young freight forwarders to be able to do things on their own and have that self confidence.

"That is why the NAGAFF Academy is very crucial to the administration of NAGAFF. 

"It is quite unfortunate that the NAGAFF Academy is not yet registered by CRFFN despite the fact that CRFFN is the brain wave of NAGAFF. 

"NAGAFF has an organisation under my watch founded CRFFN through an Act of the National Assembly which today is a Law. CRFFN as it were is not an agency of the government. It is a pseudo organisation and quassi government agency but those who were not part of the process bungled it and started parading themselves as government officials. But it is not over until it is over. 

"The liberation struggle is ongoing and the matter is still before an Appeal court. I have given you the platform, NAGAFF as a freight forwarding association cutting across the boundaries of Nigeria, the NAGAFF Academy to study and the Law to back you up. You must take back your profession 

"The man or woman who will lead Nigeria must be able to take wrong decisions than not taking any decisions at all on matters of urgent importance. The problem in our country is for one to be able to take urgent decisions. We need to take the bull my the hull by opening our minds and taking the right decisions. Allow the multi party system in Nigeria to play its part and vote your conscience" Aniebonam said.

The Registrar of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria, CRFFN, Barrister Sam Nwakohu in his speech stressed the importance of education and certification for all freight forwarders because the core mandate of the Council is to ensure that all practicing freight forwarders are duly registered, certified and professionalised.

Nwakohu informed that the Council has taken a decision to deregister any freight forwarder who does not possess at least a Diploma in Freight Forwarding by the end of 2023. He however advised that all frieght should ensure they enrol in training and fully certified before the deadline to avoid being deregistered or denied to practice freight forwarding in Nigeria.

In his welcome speech, the National President of the Association, Chief Tochukwu Esizi noted that NAGAFF shall continue to lead the way by bringing new ideas and innovation into the maritime industry through new and evolving digital technology, maintaining and Improving new values, standards, ethics and professional ethos of the industry.

Ezisi said that NAGAFF through constant stakeholders engagements will continue to remain proactive and dynamic in its advocacy campaigns, until the Maritime sector cum freight forwarding is enthroned as a leading economic contributor to the national treasury. 

The Gubernatorial candidate of Labour Paty (LP),  Lagos State, Mr. Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour stated that the maritime industry is an extremely important sector of Lagos State that must run efficiently. 

Rhodes-Vivour added that he will ensure that the problems are tackled through adequate provision of multi modal transport system, and proper call up system.

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NIMASA: Collaboration with Govt agencies, OPS critical to Blue Economy - Jamoh

NIMASA: Collaboration with Govt agencies, OPS critical to Blue Economy - Jamoh

Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Dr Bashir Jamoh OFR, has noted that collaboration among all organs of government and the organized private sector will accelerate harnessing the Blue Economy in Nigeria, citing the successes of the Deep Blue Project which is hinged on collaboration.

 He equally held that the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA has a critical role to play for Nigeria to fully harness the potentials of the Blue Economy

The NIMASA DG stated this while delivering a paper titled 'Opportunities and Challenges in Harnessing the Blue Economy at a seminar organized by the NIIA with the theme 'Safety, Security and Development in Nigeria's Maritime Domain: Problems, Strategies and Prospects.

“Our task at NIMASA is to explore how Nigeria can maximize the benefits derivable from our Blue Economy. This concept of Blue Economy which which gained prominence some few years ago requires local, regional and international collaboration to manage critical factors.

The Nigerian Institute of International Affairs should play a role in advising government on policies which would facilitate the realization of the Blue Economy", Jamoh stated.

 Jamoh stated that just as in maritime security, the Deep Blue Project has shown that through co-operation and collaboration, great results can be achieved, the reason he appreciates the participation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Nigeria Customs Service as well as the Nigerian Navy.

On his part, the Director-General of the NIIA Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, while acknowledging the progress made in securing the Nigerian Maritime domain and the Gulf of Guinea,  highlighted the importance of the Blue Economy globally while calling for sustainable use of ocean resources to be considered when shaping government policies. 

 "When considered in economic terms, the global Blue Economy would be the seventh largest in the world which highlights its importance. As such, sustainable use of the Blue Economy for economic growth should be at the core of any policy formulation by government'

The Nigeria Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, is Africa's Foremost Foreign Policy Think Tank with the goal of assisting governments and societies in creating a world that is secure and prosperous.

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CUSTOMS: FOU ZONE 'B' INTERCEPTED MARIJUANA CONCEALED IN 72 SACKS OF GARRI FLAKES

CUSTOMS: FOU ZONE 'B' INTERCEPTED MARIJUANA CONCEALED IN 72 SACKS OF GARRI FLAKES

The Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Federal Operations Unit, FOU Zone ‘B’ Kaduna has impounded a total of 72 sacks of cassava flakes also known as garri laden with cannabis in Zamfara State.

Customs Area Controller,  FOU Zone 'B' Comptroller Albashir Hamisu  described the seizure as a  spectacular seizure containing 72 sacks of illicit drug (Marijuana) exposing another tricks by which smugglers concealed smuggled goods.

He said In the case of this seizures, the smuggler concealed the Marijuana inside sacks of cassava flour,  adding that the Operatives of the Unit with the aid of informant intercepted the marijuana along Sokoto-Zamfara axis and brought it to the office.

He stated that  FOU operations are in line with sections 139 (provisions as to detention, seizure and condemnation of goods) and Section 158 (empowers officers to patrol freely) as enshrine in Customs and Excise Management Act, CEMA, Cap C45 LFN 2004, as amended.

He said the FOU Zone B, has a mandate of suppressing smuggling activities in the Zone which comprises the entire North West including Niger, Kogi, Kwara and FCT in the North Central, pointing out that other function of the Unit includes translation of Federal Government Fiscal Policies into reality with a view to make the economy remain attractive and healthy.

His words, "72 sacks of cannabis sativa (Marijuana) with a  total  #2,617,920.00 pointing out that the Marijuana would be handed over to the Commandant National Drug Law Enforcement Agency,  NDLEA, Kaduna State Command today on the spirit of Inter-agency collaboration.

He disclosed the Zone intercepted a total of 161 seizures of various contraband goods within the period under review with the total Duty Paid Value (DPV) of #351,508,658.56  between November and 20 December 2022, 

 Area Controller said three suspects were arrested in connection with some of the seizures and later released on administrative bail. noting that the Command under his watch shall continue to arrest anyone indulging in smuggling activities within the Zone.

He said it is on record that the Unit made a total 949  interceptions at different locations in the Zone from 1 January to 20 December 2022 with combined DPV of #2, 345,155,577.38) only  in contrast to the seizures made in the Year 2021 with DPV of #1, 319,332,763.00 only.

"As the Comptroller of the Unit, I would continue to operate an open door policy, give a sense of belonging to all Officers/Men and other critical stakeholders as well as instill discipline, for us to better fulfill the Unit's mandate.

"Let me warned the smugglers that want to take advantage of the Yuletide season to stay clear of the Zone, I want them to know that our operatives are on red alert and vigilant to tame smuggling activities during the festive period with a view of arresting and prosecuting them.

"It is my humble advice to smugglers to turn a new leaf and embrace the Federal Government agricultural policy and massive investment in Local rice production, so that they can create employment and boost the food security in the Country,"he stated.

The Items intercepted by officers and men of units within the period under review include:

 2114x50Kg Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice - N104,597,231.90

, 126 Bales & Sacks of Foreign Second Hand Clothing -N18,820,777.50, 

65 x 25Kg Bags of Foreign Parboiled Rice- N1,608,046.38,

818 Cartons of Foreign Spaghetti, Macaroni & Couscous- N5,943,964.28,

 8 Units of Means of Conveyance (Vehicles), N59,162,337.00

, 102 Cartons of Foreign Carotone Body Cream - N15,235,867.50, 

102 Cartons of Foreign Eva Soap- N6,279,732.00.

While other items includes : 69 x 5Litres of Foreign Vegetable Oil - 848,010.00, 

30 x 25 Litres of Foreign Vegetable Oil - 843,500.00,

Sacks of Foreign Second Hand Shoes - 597,485.00,

Sacks of Foreign Tomato Paste - N134,944.20, 

 13 Sacks of Foreign Hides and Skin (Ponmo) - N584,758.20

113 Bundles of Foreign Textiles -  N9,165,882.00,

10 Cartons of Foreign Flavoured Chewing Gum -  N1,924,614.00, 

7 x 25Kg Bags of Foreign Flour -  N314,869.80,

, 55 Pieces of Foreign Used Tyres  -  N479,586.80, 

438 x 25litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) - N 827,754.30, 

87 x 50Kg Bags of Foreign 

 (N.P.K 15-15-15) - N4,304,616.45

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4th National Roundtable 2022 Edition: Nigeria is under trade terrorism - Dr. Farinto

4th National Roundtable 2022 Edition:  Stakeholders Lament Insecurity in Nigeria                             
Nigeria is under trade terrorism - Dr. Farinto

 Stakeholders, at it's 2022 Edition of the  4th National Roundtable Discussion held in Làgos unanimously agreed that Nigeria has been overwhelmed with insecurity, high level of corruption, collapsing economy and anxiety over the 2023 general elections.

The Acting President of the Association  of Nigerian Customs Lisenced Agents, ANCLA, Dr Kayode Farinto said the nation is in the era of trade terrorism.

Farinto in his keynote address said rather than concentrating on the improvements of the nation's economy, the government is only interested in revenue generation.

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We are not owing sacked dockworkers – Sambo

We are not owing sacked dockworkers – Sambo 
By  Bisi Akingbade

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Mu’azu Sambo, says the Federal Government is not owing dockworkers sacked due to port concession in 2006.

 

Sambo said this at the 34th Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN, Anniversary and Awards  in Lagos.

The anniversary was themed: ”16 Years of Port Concession: The Pains and the Gains.”

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NIMASA sends 400 students Overseas for training

NSDP: NIMASA sends 400 students  Overseas for training

...Talks tough on truancy 

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency,  NIMASA, has dispatched new 400 students to Greece and India for further study under its National Seafarers Development Programme, NSDP.

The Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Bashir Jamoh, made this known  at the flag off ceremony of the third phase of the NSDP-TERRA  programme at Naval Dockyard Victoria Island, Lagos

Jamoh gave an insights on the  training programmes  which started in 2008 to empower the Nigerian youths to become Seafarers and Naval Architects as well as training them to degree level in Marine Engineering, Nautical Sciences and Naval Architecture in some of the best Maritime Training Institutions (MTIs) abroad.

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NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team advocate for E-Customs as APMT Debit Notes shows reduction

 

NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team advocate for E-Customs as APMT Debit Notes shows reduction

The complaints of NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team has yielded a good result as AP Moller Terminal has recently effected changes in its debit notes. 

Recently, NAGAFF 100 Compliance team alledgedly accused APMT of dubious , outrageous and multiple charges which slow down the pace of scanning as well as deliberate  imposition  of payment of demurrage on freight forwarders.

 NAGAFF 100% Compliance Team National Coordinator, Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko who reacted to this development thanked the Nigeria Customs Service for their prompt intervention while expressing hope that other issues raised in their letter of compliant would be resolved soon. 

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LASTMA apprehended 2 suspected kidnappers, rescue a victim in Lagos.

LASTMA apprehended 2 suspected kidnappers, rescue a victim in Lagos.

Operatives of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, LASTMA, have arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a female victim inside their car around the Pedesbytrian Church, Yaba, Lagos.

According to the statement issued by the General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Bolaji Oreagba through the Director Public Affairs units of LASTMA, Mr. Taofiq Adebayo.

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