By Folashade Alli.
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) has said that the Nigeria Customs Service(NCS) 100% physical examination on goods is a corruption risk.
This finding was made in a Corruption Risk Assessment report put together by the ICPC to investigate work ethics and practices at select ports in the country.
The chairman of ICPC, Mr. Ekpo Nta, named the ports used as yardstick as Tin-Can Island ports, Onne ports, Warri Ports and Calabar ports respectively were observed.
Nta also at the occasion expressed the commission’s displeasure over the powers given to the Nigeria Customs in the Customs and ExciseManagement Act (CEMA), stressing that such powers would inevitably lead to abuse of power.
According to the report, “Customs official claims that wrongful practices of agents is the primary reasons, 80percent or more of cargoes imported go through physical examination, a process which has been identified during this study to pose significant risks in its operations”, he said.
The commission also complained on the absence of an effective complaints mechanism that will ensure compliance in both clearing agents and customs operations.
Meanwhile, the ICPC has introduced a Support Service Portal that will ensure an interface with all stakeholders in the maritime industry.
The Support Service Portal is to be monitored by a committee under the supervision of the Nigerian Shippers Council(NSC) adding that the portal should not stop parastals from having its own internal complaints mechanism.