Alkali Seeks Collaboration at Onne Free Trade Zone for Economic Growth

Speaking last Thursday during a stakeholders’ engagement, Mr Akali emphasised the need for compliance with trade regulations even as he urged freight forwarders, enterprises, and other stakeholders “to perfect their SGD(s) on pre-release approval within 14 days of transaction.”

He stressed that adherence to the directive would enable the command to maintain accurate records and ensure a seamless business environment.

The customs chief reiterated the command’s goal of fostering a compliant and business-friendly atmosphere, promoting a stronger working relationship between stakeholders and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

On his part, the Managing Director of OGFTZA, represented by the General Manager for Operations at OGFTZA, Mr. Adekunle Ajayi, welcomed Mr Alkali to the zone, assuring him of their full cooperation in achieving the set objectives.

The Zonal Coordinator of the Eastern Zone of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Mr Joshua Ahuama, decried the issue of network failure and the delays encountered at the command.

According to him, customs agents encounter a lot of delays in clearing their consignments, especially those transire cargoes shipped to Lagos but are supposed to be cleared in Port Harcourt.

On his part, the newly elected ANLCA Chapter Chairman for Onne free trade zone, Mr Eric Aso Kalu, described the meeting as a good thing that would help his association to move forward in their business.

Also, the chairman of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON), Mr Kolawole Atanda, said Mr Alkali, who promised an open-door policy, has shown he is knowledgeable in the operations of free trade zone based on the way he interacted with the stakeholders.