Leke Baiyewu, Abuja
The Senate has decried the abandonment of overtime cargoes worth billions of naira at the Ikorodu Lighter Terminal by the Nigeria Ports Authority for over 10 years.
Senators on oversight visit to the ports had discovered the cargoes.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs, Excise and Tariff, Senator Hope Uzodinma, in an interview with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, said the containers were moved there by the NPA to decongest the Apapa Port.
The lawmaker said several containers with valuable items such as transformers, cars and electronics were discovered during the visit.
He expressed disappointment over the non-implementation of the Act establishing the Nigeria Customs Service with regard to disposal of overtime cargoes.
Uzodinma said, “To see this number of containers with very valuable items in our various sea ports and airports, not claimed for a period of over 10 years is, to say the least, very disappointing.
“This shows to some extent a sign of irresponsibility on the side of the authority. We are going to discuss with the hierarchy of the service.
“We will ensure that the Act that established the Nigeria Customs Service, which has also prescribed a procedure for disposal of overtime goods and seized cargoes, is respected and complied with.
“The only way to dispose these items or overtime cargo is copiously captured in the Act and it is not going to be subjected to any further negotiation. Whatever that is defined in the Act is what should be done.
“Our responsibility as the lawmakers who made the law is to ensure that it is followed forthwith.”
Uzodinma also said with the global price of crude oil fluctuating on a daily basis, it was time the Federal Government considered other sources of revenue.
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