The Edo Shippers Association has frowned at the indiscriminate multi-taxes paid by importers on the highway to custom officials and called on the Ministry of Interior and Presidency to address the challenges being faced by their members.
The Association made the call during their first general meeting held at the Nigeria Shippers Council Area Office in Benin City recently.
According to the President of the Edo Shippers Association, Pastor Ade Balogun, after the clearance by the Customs in Lagos, it is not ideal for those on the highway to demand for money from the importers.
“We condemn the activities of these customs officials on the high way especially on the Lagos – Benin express way where there are several check points mounted by the customs. It is our view that importers with genuine papers should be allowed to go without demanding for money from them.
“If they have paid their duties in Lagos and it is verified, they should be allowed to go while those believed to have been involved in smuggling can be detained. Innocent importers should not be allowed to face unnecessary challenges on the highway after they have paid the required duties for their consignment” he added.
While assuring members of the Association who narrated their different experiences with Customs on the highway that efforts would be made to ensure that they are not unnecessarily burdened with multi- taxes on the high way, Pastor Balogun said their complaints will be forwarded to the Nigeria Shippers Council and the appropriate quarters.
The first general meeting of the Edo Shippers Association discussed amongst others, the review and adoption of the constitution, Cooperative Society registration and proposed workshop on freight forwarding to be held soon.
The meeting was attended by various professionals, key players in the maritime industry and the Area officer of the Nigeria Shippers Council, Bafor Okitipi and the Vice President of the Edo Shippers Association, Dr. B.J Braie
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