Clearing Agent Commends Customs Over PAAR

A clearing agent in Port
Harcourt, Chief Dennis Obi, has commended the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) over the implementation of Pre-Arrival Assessment Report  (PAAR), saying that it had enhanced Cargo clearance within 24 hours.
Obi, a member of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Port Harcourt Seaport branch who made this known  to The Tide in Port Harcourt, Thursday said that the initial challenges  faced by importers were over.
He said that the implementation of PAAR by the Customs was so far, highly commendable, adding that documents presented for clearance are processed faster within 48 hours.
“If you drop your papers, you get your PAAR within 48 hours and clear your goods. The initial problems experienced by the customs service was those associated with new ideas  as every new system comes with its attendant problem”, the clearing agent stated.
According to him, the customs have been able  to overcome challenges, and added that PAAR has eliminated corruption associated  with the importation of goods.
He urged the comptroller General of Customers to identify those officers that are working against the success of PAAR and remove them from the system.
On the expected general cargo operations being envisaged at the Port Harcourt Wharf, Obi stated that some stakeholders at the Port, especially the Port and Terminal  Operators Limited (PTOL) and the  customs have put in their  best  towards ensuring that the operations take off without delay.
He, however, expressed sadness over the delay being recorded in returning the Port Harcourt port to a container and general Cargo operation, inspite of all efforts made.

Corlins Walter