By Bon Peters
Onne, Port Harcourt – The newly appointed Customs Area Controller of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command, Onne Port Harcourt, Comptroller Aliyu Mohammed Alkali, has reaffirmed his commitment to trade facilitation and regulatory compliance within the Zone.
He made this known on Thursday in Onne, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, during a stakeholders’ engagement forum aimed at strengthening collaboration and boosting economic activities.
Customs Chief Emphasizes Compliance
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, Comptroller Alkali stressed the importance of compliance with trade regulations, urging freight forwarders, enterprises, and other stakeholders to perfect their SGD(s) on pre-release approval within 14 days of transaction.
He explained that adherence to this directive would help the Command maintain accurate records and ensure a seamless business environment for all parties.
Furthermore, Comptroller Alkali reiterated his administration’s goal of fostering a business-friendly atmosphere while promoting stronger collaboration between stakeholders and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
OGFTZA Pledges Support for Customs
Speaking on behalf of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority (OGFTZA), Mr. Adekunle Ajayi, the General Manager of Operations, welcomed Comptroller Alkali and assured him of full cooperation in achieving his mandate.
Stakeholders Raise Concerns
During the meeting, some stakeholders expressed concerns over operational challenges at the Command.
- Network Failures: Mr. Joshua Ahuama, Zonal Coordinator (Eastern Zone) of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), highlighted persistent network failures, which he said were delaying operations at the Command.
- Cargo Delays: He also pointed out delays in clearing transire cargoes, which, though shipped to Lagos, are meant to be cleared in Port Harcourt.
The newly elected ANLCA Chapter Chairman, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone, Hon. Eric Aso Kalu, described the engagement as a step in the right direction, stating that it would help reposition their association for better operations. He promised that once the new EXCO is sworn in, they would re-strategize to build a strong working relationship with Customs and the OGFTZA.
Freight Forwarders Laud Customs Boss
On his part, Kolawole Atanda, Chairman of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), praised Comptroller Alkali’s deep understanding of Free Trade Zone operations.
He urged the Nigeria Customs Service to always deploy officers with specialized knowledge of Free Trade Zone operations, stressing that these zones have come to stay in Nigeria.
“Such officers should continuously engage stakeholders both locally and internationally to achieve the essence of Free Trade Zones,” Atanda said.
He also urged his members to remain calm, expressing confidence in Comptroller Alkali’s commitment to resolving their challenges.
“He has promised to tackle the issues, and I believe him. There will be light at the end of the tunnel,” he assured.
Commitment to Open-Door Policy
Comptroller Alkali, in his closing remarks, reaffirmed his open-door policy, aimed at bolstering economic activities within the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone.
He emphasized that compliance and efficient service delivery would be the hallmark of his leadership.
Participants at the Meeting
The high-profile strategic meeting attracted key stakeholders, including:
- Government Agencies: OGFTZA, Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Police Force (Eastern Ports Command), and Nigeria Immigration Service (Oil & Gas Free Trade Zone Command).
- Companies Operating in the Zone: INTELS, Notore, Indorama Eleme Petrochemicals, Total Energies, and various shipping companies.
- Terminal Operators: OMT and Blue Star Shipping Company.
- Freight Forwarders & Clearing Agents: PrimePort, Quicka, ANLCA, and APFFLON.
The engagement marks a new phase of collaboration between the Nigeria Customs Service, industry stakeholders, and the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone operators.
