Babandede refutes alleged charge on transshipment cargo at Lekki port

The Customs Area Controller, Lekki Free Trade Zone Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, Comptroller Mohammed Babandede, has refuted claims of imposing charges on transshipment cargo at the Lekki Deep seaport. Babandede addressed these allegations during a Q&A session at the 2024 Roadshow organized by the Lekki Port and Lekki Free Port Terminal in conjunction with the Lekki Free Trade Zone Customs Command in Lagos.

He emphasized that the assertion of demanding money on items not under their purview is unfounded, as transshipment cargoes are not destined for Nigeria, and thus do not require any documentation presented to customs. Babandede urged stakeholders and the public to dismiss these allegations, attributing them to mischief makers lacking merit.

Furthermore, the Controller expressed his dedication to promoting export from the country, underscoring the command’s efforts to facilitate speedy delivery of import and export, aligned with the CGC’s agenda. He also disclosed the strides made in Post Clearance Audit, including signing containers for various companies and ensuring efficient examination and release of consignments.

Babandede clarified that the customs has no influence over exchange rates, which are determined by monetary policies set by the Central Bank of Nigeria.