Port operators doctor invoices - Customs

The customs authority in charge of Tin-Can Island Command, Lagos said, yesterday, that port operators are always in the habit of submitting doctored invoices.

The Customs Area Comptroller, Tin Can Island Command, Mr Yusuf Bashar, who made this disclosure, however, advised shippers and other industrialists to desist from indulging in such habit, stressing that anyone arrested would not be spared.

He gave the advice at a workshop on “Ease of Doing Business Reform’’ organised by the Presidential Enabling Business Environmental Council (PEBC) in Lagos.

He urged shipping operators to also imbibe international best practices to reduce the time spent in clearing cargo at ports.

The comptroller said neither the customs service nor the stakeholders should be blamed for delays experienced in the course of cargo clearance.

He said: “It requires transparent operations. We have seen a country like Thailand move from very horrible position to number one in the Single Window cargo clearance system.”

Bashar expressed concern that Nigerians had refused to bother about international best practices.