ZAINAB JUNAID
The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited Command of Nigeria Customs Service has said it recorded a total revenue of N152,648,517,532.05 between January and June 2024, a 49.7% increase from N101,981,098,502.07 revenue generated in the same period of 2023.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Command’s Spokesman, CSC Yakubu Muhammad on 07 July, 2024.
According to him, the Customs Area Controller of the command, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan disclosed that the 2024 half year collection is N50,667,419,029.98 higher than previous year’s figures in the corresponding period.
The Area Controller, who expressed confidence that the command will generate more revenue in the second half of the year also charged officers to sustain the precedence of diligent cargo examination
He equally urged examination and releasing officers to always apply diligence, responsibility and higher level of security consciousness in the course of handling any import or export cargo passing through the command.
Speaking on the riot act read by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR on all officers to shun any form of compromise in the discharge of their duties recently, 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 noted 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 CAC affirmed 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.
Comptroller Daniyan also 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.
The Command’s helmsman further charged that anyone found guilty or caught as an accomplice of illegal activities will be made to face the wrath of law.
“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.
“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,” Comptroller Daniyan concluded.
