Laudable feat :  Customs at PTML Command hits N66.9bn revenue collection, records N22.1bn increase

Laudable feat :  Customs at PTML Command hits N66.9bn revenue collection, records N22.1bn increase
…As Compt Abba Yusuf targets 2 hours clearance time for vehicles

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has made laudable feat, with a whopping sum of N66.9billion revenue realised in the first quarter of 2024.

Most remarkable, the N66.9billion revenue generated in three months, reflects an increase of N22,198,965,809.55 (approximately N22.2billion), higher than N44.7billion collected from January to March 2023. Also, the revenue figures represent 49.6 percent increase.

The Customs Area Controller (CAC) of PTML Command, Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, described the increase in revenue collection as a laudable feat.

He said the Command is more committed towards trade facilitation and supports government drive for ease of doing business.

Comptroller Yusuf, who thanked the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, for initiating strategies to achieve faster cargo clearance , reiterared that PTML Command under his watch aims to surpass its record of three hours cargo clearance for compliant traders.

According to the Area Controller, the launch of time release study (TRS), which is ongoing and other deliberate efforts by the Comptroller General contributed to the expansion of terminal space and promoting ease of doing business in PTML.

The CAC also disclosed that PTML Command has the potentials to achieve two hours cargo clearance and surpass its existing three hours record, if port users’ compliance level is improved upon

Comptroller Yusuf who described PTML as one of the safest and most secure environments for RoRo(Roll On Roll Off) and general cargoes also advised importets and their agents to take advantage of the incentives available for compliant traders; such as fast track, advance ruling and possible migration to the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) status.

He reminded port users in PTML of the robust and time conscious dispute resolution mechanism, which has contributed immensely to revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti smuggling functions of the Command.

While commending various government and private sector stakeholders for their cooperation and support towards realisation of government goal of revenue collection and prevention of unlawful activities, Comptroller Yusuf expressed optimism that the Command will surpass its annual target for the year.

According to him, importation of vehicles meant for Nigerian roads into neighboring countries with intent to smuggle them through unapproved roads into Nigeria is unpatriotic and act of economic sabotage, as the Command has the capacity for seamless and efficient processing of such automobile cargoes.

For the second quarter and first half of the year, the CAC enjoined officers of the Command to maximally deploy available technology and rededicate themselves to the job to achieve more.

The CAC reminded port users that there is increased anti-smuggling vigilance to uncover concealment such as under declaration and smuggling of prohibited items. The CAC added that any discovered infraction will lead to full evoking of the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA), where there are spelt-out penalties.