The Importers Association of Nigeria (IMAN) has announced plans to introduce an app linked to every shipper’s National Identity Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to trace and track illicit consignments.
The innovation aims to curb and identify shippers who ruthlessly import contrabands and other illicit commodities into the country through seaports.
Speaking at an induction ceremony in Lagos, IMAN Vice President Dr. Ndubuisi George explained that innocent freight forwarders and customs brokers are languishing in prison for crimes they know nothing about, related to the importation of illicit drugs, arms, ammunition, and other contrabands.
Ndubuisi assured that IMAN would work closely with government security agencies such as NDLEA, SON, NAFDAC, Nigeria Customs, and the Police to develop a regulatory app that streamlines importation procedures and ensures importers strictly adhere to trade rules.
He expressed optimism that the software, once activated, would significantly reduce the influx of harmful imports like drugs into the country.
George, who was inducted as an ambassador of the War Against Drug Abuse by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), lamented that many freight agents are imprisoned while their principals profit from the crimes.
While condemning this trend, he noted that the association will ensure importers of contrabands are arrested and prosecuted with government support, stressing that all hands must be on deck to stop illicit drug importation and other contrabands.
“We have to make life comfortable and meaningful to ourselves. We are in the gen zees age. Me and my association has a deep thoughts on how to deal with ruthless importers. Many people are in jail for offences they don’t know anything about and that is why we are introducing a code that will bring everyone to the limelight.
“Once you want to import your information must be imputed on your shipping document and without your bank will not access your PAAR during this period, sooner than expected it will be out.”, he said.
