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The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has generated a total revenue of N66,920,181,586.30 for the first quarter of 2024, marking a significant increase of N22,198,965,809.55 from the N44,721,215,776.75 collected between January and March 2023, representing a 49.6 percent increase.
Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, the command's Customs Area Controller (CAC), praised the rise in revenue collection as an admirable achievement. He emphasized the command's dedication to trade facilitation and support for the government's efforts to improve business efficiency.
Comptroller Yusuf thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for implementing strategies to expedite cargo clearance. He reiterated the PTML Command's goal under his leadership to surpass its current record of three-hour cargo clearance for compliant traders.
Yusuf highlighted the ongoing time release study (TRS) and other deliberate efforts by the Comptroller General as contributing factors to expanding terminal space and promoting ease of doing business in PTML.
The CAC also revealed that the PTML command has the potential to achieve a two-hour cargo clearance time and exceed its current three-hour record if the compliance level of port users is improved.
Comptroller Yusuf described PTML as one of the safest and most secure environments for RoRo (Roll On Roll Off) and general cargoes. He advised importers and their agents to take advantage of available incentives for compliant traders, such as fast track, advance ruling, and potential migration to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.
The Customs Area Controller ,Saidu Yusuf, commended the command's dedication to trade facilitation and its support for the government's efforts to improve the ease of doing business.
He also expressed gratitude to the service management for implementing strategies to expedite cargo clearance.
According to Yusuf, the launching of the time release study, which is ongoing, and other deliberate efforts by the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, have contributed to the expansion of terminal space and promoting ease of doing business in PTML.”
“PTML Command has the potential to achieve a two-hour cargo clearance and surpass its existing three-hour records if port users’ compliance level is improved upon,” Yusuf said.
The head of PTML Customs characterized the command as a highly secure and safe environment for roll-on-roll-off and general cargoes.
He encouraged importers and their representatives to use the benefits offered to compliant traders, such as fast track, advance rulings, and the potential to become an Authorized Economic Operator.
The official also highlighted the effective dispute resolution process in PTML, which he said has significantly contributed to revenue collection, trade facilitation, and anti-smuggling efforts.
Yusuf praised the collaboration and support of the government and private sector stakeholders in achieving the goal of revenue collection and preventing unlawful activities.
He expressed confidence that the command would surpass its annual target for the year.
He criticized the act of smuggling vehicles meant for Nigerian roads through neighboring countries and unapproved routes into Nigeria as unpatriotic and economically damaging.
Yusuf emphasized that the command is equipped to process such automobile cargoes efficiently and urged officers to utilize available technology and rededicate themselves to their duties for greater achievements in the second quarter and the first half of the year.
