The Nigerian
Customs Service has begun the implementation of the directive issued by the
Federal Government, directing the dismantling of all illegal check points by
its
operatives across the country.
A circular
from the office of the Deputy Comptroller General on Enforcement and
Investigations, addressed to all Ag. DCGs, ACGs, Zonal Coordinators, CACs,
Comptrollers FOUs, GIU, CGCs compliance Team and Marine Command, and dated 25th
July 2017 stated that the directive was in reference to the memo by the
Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council of 18th July 2017
recommending the action.
The letter
which was signed by the DCG himself, A. Dangaladima, said only two checkpoints,
namely the ones situated at Agbara and Gbaji along Lagos-Badagry -Seme road
were ‘statutorily approved.’
“I am
directed to convey CGC’s directive to all the commands and units to ensure
immediate implementation,” the letter read.
“For the
avoidance of doubt, it is hereby emphasised that checkpoints mounted outside
40km to the border are illegal while information patrols outside this point
should not last more than 24 hours at any given time.
“The 40km
radius applies to the borders and consequently there should be no checkpoints
within the port areas.
“To further
clarify these issues, it should be reminded strongly that only two check points
situated at Agbara and Gbaji along Lagos-Badagry-Seme road are statutorily
approved for instance.
Henceforth,
zonal coordinators, Comptrollers FOUs, CACs, CIU and other units will be
jointly held responsible for flouting the directive.
“Ensure
widest circulation for strict compliance.”
The
directive by the Customs was sequel to an earlier letter from the PEBEC, signed
by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industry, Trade and
Investment (Office of the Vice President) Jumoke Oduwole and addressed to the
CGC, Hameed Ibrahim Ali on the 18th of July.
The letter
stated that the aim was in furtherance of the mandate of the Presidential
Enabling Business Environment Council to see to the implementation of the
initiative of the ease of doing business within Nigeria.
It also
noted that the council along with relevant ministries and government agencies
had started weekly engagements for the implementation of the mandate.
“From the
foregoing scoping exercise of the Technical Committee, the following reform
initiatives have been identified and agreed as short-term reforms to be
implemented by the NCS before Friday August 11, 2017,” the letter read in part.
“Issuance of
directive to all customs command across Nigeria to ensure removal of all
illegal check points across Nigeria.
“Enforcement
of compliance of the above stated directive.
“Creation of
awareness on the approved NCS check points across Nigeria through publication
on the NCS website and all NCS command offices.”
The letter
further noted that the NCS would be required to provide a status update to the
council on the implementation of the directive.
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