Key Points

• PTML Customs achieves 34.8% year-over-year revenue growth.
• October revenue sets record at N44 billion.
• Seizures include firearms, used appliances, and undeclared goods.

The Ports & Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has achieved a historic N288 billion in revenue collection for the January to November 2024 period, marking a 34.8 percent year-over-year increase from the N213 billion recorded during the same period last year.

This remarkable performance underscores the command’s growing operational efficiency and heightened enforcement capabilities.

In a statement released on Friday, PTML’s Public Relations Officer, Muhammad Yakubu, confirmed the command’s outstanding achievement, noting that October alone saw an unprecedented N44 billion in monthly revenue—setting a new record for the highest monthly collection in PTML’s history.

Strategic port collaboration drives revenue growth

According to Punch, Tenny Daniyan, the Customs Area Controller at PTML, attributed the command’s record-breaking performance to the unwavering dedication of NCS officers, robust collaboration with port stakeholders, and the strategic support from other government agencies stationed at the port.

Daniyan expressed confidence that the command’s performance would continue to improve, with further revenue growth anticipated in the coming months. “This achievement is a testament to the strong partnership we’ve built with port users and the critical role of inter-agency cooperation,” Daniyan said. “We are optimistic about maintaining our upward trajectory and setting new benchmarks in revenue collection.”

Significant seizures and enhanced security measures

Alongside the revenue boost, PTML Customs has also made a series of major seizures, with a total duty-paid value of N28.4 million.

Among the confiscated items were 2,598 used motor tyres, 12 second-hand washing machines, six used refrigerators, and eight used motor radiators, discovered in a 40-foot container (ACLU9664782).

Additionally, another container (ACLU9810594) was found to contain large quantities of rice and soybean vegetable oil, which did not meet the necessary importation criteria.

In one notable enforcement action, the command intercepted firearms and ammunition hidden in several vehicles, including a Mazda CX5, a Toyota Tacoma, a Toyota Tundra, and Lexus RX350. Three suspects were apprehended and granted administrative bail, as authorities continue to monitor compliance and combat illegal trade activities at the port.

Fostering compliance and operational excellence

As the year-end holiday season approaches, Daniyan emphasized the command’s commitment to maintaining high standards of operational excellence.

He stressed the importance of ongoing vigilance and the continued use of advanced trade facilitation tools like the newly introduced B’Odogwu platform, which helps streamline customs processes and detect violations with greater precision.

“PTML Customs remains focused on ensuring fast-tracked cargo clearance for compliant Roll-on-Roll-off consignments while intensifying efforts to detect and prevent customs violations,” Daniyan said. “As we head into the festive season, our dedication to maximizing revenue while ensuring compliance and safety remains unwavering.”