The Customs Area Controller of Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML), Comptroller Saidu Abba Yusuf, has achieved a remarkable milestone by leading the command to clear vehicles from customs control within a record-breaking three-hour timeframe.
In addition to this achievement, the command successfully collected a total revenue of N100,981,098,501.31 from January to June 2023.
The Controller attributed the timely clearance of imported vehicles through PTML to a comprehensive approach to compliance, involving NCS officers and all port users.
He stressed the importance of sustaining and improving upon this level of accomplishment and urged the command’s operatives to continue implementing government policies on trade facilitation, ease of doing business, and strict adherence to the World Customs Organization (WCO) time release study (TRS).
The Time Release Study is an internationally recognized and strategic tool used to measure the actual time required for the release and clearance of goods, from their arrival to the physical release of cargo. Its purpose is to identify trade flow process bottlenecks and implement necessary measures to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of procedures.
The expedited release of vehicular cargo is a result of compliance, punctuality, and operational efficiency, all while upholding national security and revenue collection.
He said “I am pleased to acknowledge that increased levels of compliance on the part of NCS officers, sister government agencies, terminal operators, importers and agents have made us the fastest for exciting imported vehicles from customs control.
“This should be seen as a major point of discouragement for those who attempt to smuggle cars into the country that face the risk of outright seizure and forfeiture. PTML has shown the fastest record in achieving this within three hours where there is flawless compliance
“We are going to continue to sustain and improve upon this feat by promoting ease of doing business and trade facilitation. With the strategies we have put in place, I can assure that our revenue collection for the second half of 2023 will surpass the N100.9b collected in the first six months of this year.”
Comptroller Yusuf also emphasized the importance of continuous cooperation with all stakeholders and advised traders utilizing PTML to make the most of the improved trade dispute mechanism structures he has implemented to ensure smooth customs operations.
He reiterated that any delays in processing entries directly affect trade and revenue, urging compliant traders to recognize the benefits of adhering to the law.
The CAC urged all importers and their agents using PTML to step forward and initiate the clearance of their cargoes, taking advantage of the operational efficiency measures he has established.
Regarding exports, the command successfully processed items weighing a total of 45,626.39 metric tons, with a cumulative free onboard value of N3,022,370,343.38.
During the specified period, the Command intercepted and confiscated two 40-foot containers with a duty paid value of N10,487,800.00. These containers, identified by the marks and numbers ACLU9664782 and ACLU9715690, contained 2,598 pieces of used motor tires, 18 pieces of used washing machines, refrigerators, used mattresses, and other secondhand household items.
Efforts are underway to locate, apprehend, and prosecute the importers responsible for these two seizures.