By Steve Agbota
The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has reaffirmed its dedication to maintaining rigorous cargo examination procedures.
Between January and June 2024, the command collected a total of N152.648 billion, marking a 49.7 percent increase over the N101.981 billion collected during the same period in 2023. Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, the Customs Area Controller of the command, highlighted that the 2024 half-year collection exceeded the previous year’s figures by N50,667,419,029.98.
Expressing confidence in the command’s ability to generate even more revenue in the second half of the year, Comptroller Daniyan urged officers to continue their diligent cargo examination practices. He emphasized the importance of applying diligence, responsibility, and heightened security awareness when handling any import or export cargo.
Reiterating the recent directive from the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, Comptroller Daniyan stressed that officers must avoid any form of compromise in their duties. He pointed out that national security is crucial for economic growth, as insecurity hampers serious economic progress. The presence of arms and ammunition in the hands of non-state actors, as well as the prevalence of illicit drugs, poses significant threats to national security and fuels unlawful behavior.
Comptroller Daniyan also confirmed that the two-hour cargo clearance time for compliant roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) cargoes remains in effect, aligning with the command’s commitment to trade facilitation and the CGC’s time release study thrust. He advised terminal operators, importers, exporters, licensed Customs agents, freight forwarders, and all stakeholders to stay informed about government import and export prohibition directives.
In light of recent discoveries of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs in other commands across the country, the PTML Command warned that anyone involved in such illegal activities would face strict legal consequences.
“I urge all Customs officers in PTML to insist on thorough cargo examination as we have always done. You are placed on red alert to continue doing the right thing, as importers of arms, ammunition, and illicit drugs have shown increased desperation in recent times,” Comptroller Daniyan stated.
“Let us ensure that PTML remains a no-go area for perpetrators of such illegal activities. Be prepared to make seizures and effect arrests of those involved in these crimes.
“I strongly believe we will achieve even more in revenue collection and trade facilitation in the second half of 2024 as we continually improve our service delivery and diligently implement all government directives.
“We will not sacrifice national security for trade facilitation; both will be managed concurrently, ensuring that neither suffers,” Comptroller Daniyan concluded.