PTML Customs Collects N152b As Daniyan Emphasises Imperative of Cargo Examination

BY FUNMIALUKO

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it collected a total of N152,648,517,532.05 between January and June 2024.

A release by the Command PRO, CSC Yakubu Muhammad quoted the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Tenny Daniyan as saying the figure represents 49.7% increase above the N101,981,098,502.07 collected within the corresponding period of 2023.

Comptroller Daniyan disclosed that the 2024 half year collection is over and above the 2023 collection with N50,667,419,029.98, evens as he  expressed confidence that the command will generate more revenue in the second half of the year,as he charged officers to sustain the tempo of diligent cargo examination as it was in the past.

He urged examination and releasing officers to always apply diligence, responsibility and higher level of security consciousness in  the course of handling import or export cargo passing through the command.

“While reiterating the recent charge of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR for all officers to shun any form of compromise in the discharge of their duties, Comptroller Daniyan said national security is the bedrock of a thriving economy as no serious economic growth can be witnessed where there is insecurity

“He said arms and ammunition in the hands of non state actors puts the country in danger and illicit drugs have been globally noted as a fueling factor for many unlawful behaviours”, the statement said.

The CAC who reiterated that the two hour cargo clearance time for compliant roll-on roll-off(RoRo) cargoes is still in place as the command is stepping up on trade facilitation in line with the time release study thrust of the CGC, advised terminal operators, importers , exporters, licensed customs agents , freight forwarders and all stakeholders in the port system to keep themselves abreast with government import and export prohibition directive.

Speaking against the background of recent arms, ammunition and illicit drug discoveries in some other commands across the country, the PTML customs boss warned that no one found to be involved in such illegal activities will be spared.

“I want to urge all customs officers in PTML to always insist on cargo examination like we have always done. You are hereby placed on red alert to keep doing the right thing as importers of arms, ammunition and illicit drugs have shown more desperation in recent times

” Let us continue to make PTML  a no go area for perpetrators of such illegalities and be ready to make seizures of such items including effecting arrests of persons suspected to be involved with such activities

“I strongly believe we will do more with revenue collection and trade facilitation in the second half of 2024 as we continually improve on our level of service delivery and diligent implementation of all government directives”, adding:

“We are not going to sacrifice national security on the altar of trade facilitation. Both will run side by side. None will suffer for the other.”