The Trade War Advocacy Committee wishes to draw the urgent attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to the need to abolish the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) regime and re-introduce the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) system as more efficient trade monitoring mechanism.

The destination inspection trade regime is essentially an eyewitness verification process, which means physical customs examination of cargo at the port of destination.

The characteristics of destination inspection are simple, transparent, and easy to implement. A declarant (who must be a natural person) is expected to make honest, accurate, and transparent declarations for customs purposes, including the correct classification, value, and origin of goods.

It is the statutory responsibility of Customs to verify such declarations. Where the declaration tallies in all material respect, the proper customs officer should authorize the release and exit of the cargo without unnecessary delay.

However, where discrepancies arise, the customs examiner should refer the matter to the appropriate customs units for dispute resolution, including valuation, classification, or enforcement units. In such cases, the One-Stop-Shop concept, may be adopted to resolve issues promptly and avoid unnecessary port congestion and delays.

Unfortunately, the Pre-Arrival Assessment Report (PAAR) system is currently subject to widespread abuse, exploitation, and manipulation. If this regime continues in its present form, it will inadvertently continue to encourage systemic corruption within the trade facilitation framework.

The introduction of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), will provide comprehensive data on import and export consignments before arrival, thereby strengthening risk management, transparency, and cargo traceability across the logistics chain.

Beyond that, ICTN will enhance revenue generation, cargo visibility, and compliance monitoring, while helping to curb the importation of prohibited goods, under-declared cargo, concealment and hazardous or dangerous consignments.

Furthermore, the Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) function of the Nigeria Customs Service should be strengthened as a strategic tool for trade facilitation and regulatory compliance. This approach aligns with global best practices under the World Customs Organization framework.

Automation should also be enhanced through the deployment of non-intrusive inspection technologies, including hydro scanners and modern cargo scanning systems. This will help reduce excessive human intervention and support the development of a fully integrated Single Window trade platform, that harmonizes the activities of all regulatory agencies.

The operations of Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) should also be closely monitored to prevent abuse of the facility. The implementation of ICTN will introduce an additional layer of supply chain transparency and accountability.

It is equally important to draw attention to growing concerns regarding the activities of some foreign nationals, particularly certain Chinese operators, involved in Free Trade Zones, bonded terminals, and logistics businesses. These developments raise questions about regulatory compliance, economic protection, and fair participation in Nigeria’s trade ecosystem.

It is our hope that Mr. President will rise to the occasion to address these issues and prevent what could amount to economic sabotage and exploitation of Nigeria’s trade infrastructure.

In our considered opinion, the leadership of government agencies operating at Nigeria’s entry points must become more proactive, responsive, and accountable in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.

It remains troubling that while Mr. President travels globally to attract investment into Nigeria, some officials remain confined to administrative comfort zones in Abuja while issuing directives that significantly affect operations at the ports.

Modern governance is built on public-private partnership and stakeholder engagements. Government must actively engage industry stakeholders to obtain first-hand information necessary for the formulation of practical, corruption-resistant trade policies.

These agencies include, but are not limited to:

* Standards Organisation of Nigeria
* Nigeria Customs Service
* National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
* Nigerian Shippers’ Council

At the appropriate time, the Trade War Advocacy Committee of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders may be compelled to make specific recommendations to Mr. President for decisive action.

We also respectfully appeal to Mr. President to discontinue the practice of extending the tenure of public officers whose statutory terms have expired. Leadership renewal is essential to allow competent upcoming officers the opportunity to attain the peak of their professional careers.

In this regard, we commend the former Inspector General of Police who honorably stepped down at the completion of his tenure without seeking an extension. Such conduct reflects statesmanship, discipline, and patriotism.

Meanwhile, as we continue with our advocacy and constructive engagement, we urge the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service to immediately halt the ongoing distortion of cargo clearance procedures at Nigerian ports caused by the centralized system audit operations based in Abuja.

If the Comptroller-General believes that system audit officers are more reliable than the customs examiners stationed at the ports, then it would be administratively appropriate to deploy those audit officers directly to the ports to replace the resident examiners.

Ultimately, the Comptroller-General must build institutional trust within the customs hierarchy. and eliminate unnecessary delays that disrupt cargo clearance processes across Nigeria’s seaports and other entry points.

Efficient port operations are critical to trade competitiveness, supply chain efficiency, and national economic growth.

Dr. Clement Iwegbuna
*Director, Media Affairs
Trade War Advocacy Committee
NAGAFF Headquarters.*