Customs at PTML Command rakes in N43.7bn

Customs at PTML Command rakes in N43.7bn

… Records increase in compliance level

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service, has collected a total revenue of N43.7billion in the first quarter of 2023.

The Command also recorded increase in the compliance level of importers, exporters and licensed customs agents, following sustained sensitization embarked on by Comptroller AM Ibrahim, the Customs Area Controller (CAC).

A month by month breakdown of the revenue collection showed improvement in March 2023 above the figures of January and February generated by the Command, this year.

In January, the command collected N14,748,081,466.31; February collection was a total of N13,129,893,878.68 while March collection was N15,843,240,431.76.

Addressing senior officers of the Command at a recent meeting, Comptroller Ibrahim expressed optimism that there will be steady improvement in latter parts of the year with strategies put in place.

The CAC said there is conscious drive to continually block suspected areas of revenue leakages while enlisting more support of all government agencies and private sector operators in ensuring high level of compliance.

He commended the officers for their application of knowledge acquired through training and experience in detecting some areas of revenue shortfalls, for which demand notices were issued to recover N477.8million from January to March 2023.

On anti-smuggling, the Command made seizures worth N10,487,800, when it intercepted 2x40ft containers marked ACLU9664782 and ACLU9715690 laden with 2,598 pieces of used motor tyres; 18 pieces of used washing machines, fridges, used mattresses and other used household items.

On export, a total of 1,932 containers were processed through PTML in the period under review, weighing a total tonnage of 38,137.66 with free on board (FOB) value of $48,006,020.41, which is equivalent to N20,272,942,419.14, at exchange rate of N422.3 to $1.

Items exported through the command include cocoa beans, sesame seeds, hibiscus flower, dried ginger, noodles, beverages, cosmetics and others.

Under Comptroller Ibrahim, the command achieved a major milestone by obtaining access to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Trade Monitoring System (TRMS) portal. This online access now makes inspection of declaration easier and faster.

For trade facilitation, since the command deals more on Roll on Roll off (vehicular) cargoes, it became imperative to assist in removing some traffic obstacles on the port access route.

There is a remarkable improvement in the conduct of examination by officers, hence, preserving the record 4-hour clearance time of vehicles for compliant declarants. The well-being of officers on duty has also received a boost with the establishment of a fully equipped clinic to address health matters at work.

The CAC thanked the Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali, CFR for his unwavering support, mentoring examples and motivation, which contributed to the progress of PTML Command.