By Chinonye Anyatonwu
The Ports and Terminal Multi services Limited (PTML) Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) said it has collected a total of N 224,470,113,733.00 as revenue in 2021 with a record increase of 19 percent compared to the revenue of N189.3billion collected in 2020.
Addressing the press men on Wednesday, the Command’s Customs Area Controller, Compt Festus Okun said the revenue was a huge success for the Command as it showed an increase of N35,122,548,424.00 when compared with the total revenue generated in the year 2020 which was N189,347,565,309.00.
In Export, the Command said it handled goods with a total tonnage of 199,487 metric tons, and a total Free on Board (FOB) value of N132,451,819,641.62.
Compt Okun said: “In the area of anti-smuggling activities, the Command made some seizures in the year under review.
The Seizure comprised of four containers; (3x40ft & 1x20ft) which were found to contain bags of rice, vegetable oil, drinks, vehicles, pharmaceutical product and among others with a duty paid value of Fifty-five million, five hundred and twenty-nine thousand, two hundred and eighty-five naira (N55,529,285.00) only.
“The seizures were made because the importations were done in contravention of extant laws. Vegetable oil is listed under Schedule III of the Common External Tariff (CET) Prohibition (Trade)”
Okun further said that the command under his watch enjoys robust corporation and working relationship with various government agencies operating in the Command.
“These are agencies like Nigeria Police, NDLEA, NAFDAC, SON, NESREA among others. We have effectively functioned as the lead agency towards “ease of doing business” in the port. This has greatly contributed to the efficiency in service delivery”
“The Command has continued to maintain a cordial relationship with the various stakeholders like importers, exporters, licensed customs agents, freight forwarders and others. Regular meetings were held with our critical stakeholders where issues affecting various segments of the supply chain were well discussed and solutions proffered.
“Furthermore, the forum served as a platform through which compliance was being preached and feedback received. Through these engagements, we were able to operate in an atmosphere that was conducive for trade and accomplishment of our Service goals”.
Compt Okun expressed deep appreciation to the Comptroller General of Customs, Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (Rtd) and his entire management team for the support the command has enjoyed.
