By Anne Ejuka
The Port and Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) Command of Nigeria Customs Service has Collected a total revenue of N165,021,614,645,00 within nine months (January to September) 2021.
The figure as released by the Command’s image maker, Yakubu, Muhammad shows an increase of N26, 986,656,533.00 billion above the sum of N138,034,958,112.00 that was generated within the same period of last year representing 20% percent increase in the Command’s revenue.
According to the release, the Customs Area Controller (CAC) Comptroller Festus Okun has improved revenue collection strategies by blocking possible areas of leakages, collection of identified shortfalls through demand notices, promote trade facilitation and achieve seamless cargo clearance for compliant importers without compromising national security and interest.
It also added that the Command was able to put more measures in the area of capacity building for officers, strengthening of dispute resolution committee and building a strong quality service delivery, thus engendering ease of doing business.
It is also interesting to note that the issuance of demand notices (DNs) from uncovered revenue shortfalls within the period under review amounted to N865, 449,258.00
In the months under review, a total number of 145 ships berthed at the PTML terminal carrying 26,613 containers and 171,491 imported vehicles between January and September 2021.
Within the period under review, the Command is said to have handled export goods with a total tonnage of Seventy thousand with a total Free on Board (FOB) value of Eight hundred and thirty two billion, nine hundred and sixty six million, five hundred and fifteen thousand, three hundred and sixty eight naira, forty nine kobo. (N832, 966,515,368.49) only.
Comptroller Okun urged the officers and men of the Command to double their efforts to achieve a more resounding feat by the end of 2021 as he praises them on the achievements.
He also urged newly promoted officers in the command to justify the confidence reposed in them by being more selfless to the cause of Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at large.
The Controller, while describing PTML as a model port with many advantages for Importers and exporters, urged all stakeholders to increase their level of compliance
He reiterated that the four hour clearance time for compliant Roll On Roll Off (RoRo) cargoes is very much subsisting.
While discouraging car smuggling through land borders, Compt. Okun noted that the PTML being a model RoRo port, provides opportunity for vehicle importation with speedy clearance process.