The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)’s Port Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) reported yesterday that it amassed N100.9 billion from vehicle importers between January and June 2023.
In a press statement issued by Muhammed Yakubu, the command’s public relations officer and made available to LEADERSHIP, Comptroller Saidu Yusuf, the Customs Area Controllers of the command, stated that the command achieved a record-breaking feat of clearing vehicles within three hours.
Describing the timely clearance of imported vehicles through PTML as a result of holistic compliance involving NCS officers and all port users, the Controller urged the command’s operatives to continue the pace of achievement and improve upon it.
The CAC stated that customs officers under his watch at PTML have pledged to always implement government policies related to trade facilitation, Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), and strict adherence to the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Time Release Study (TRS).
TRS is a recognized international tool used to measure the actual time needed for the release and/or clearance of goods, from the time of arrival until the physical release of cargo. It aims to identify bottlenecks in the trade flow process and implement measures to improve the procedures’ effectiveness and efficiency.
The quick release of vehicular cargo is a result of compliance, punctuality, and operational efficiency that does not compromise national security and revenue collection.
Compt. Yusuf stated, “I am pleased to acknowledge that increased levels of compliance from NCS officers, sister government agencies, terminal operators, importers, and agents have made us the fastest in efficiently releasing imported vehicles from customs control.
“This should discourage those who attempt to smuggle cars into the country, as they face the risk of seizure and forfeiture. PTML has shown the fastest record of achieving this within three hours, thanks to flawless compliance.”
He added, “We will continue to sustain and improve upon this achievement by promoting ease of doing business and trade facilitation. With the strategies we have put in place, I assure you that our revenue collection for the second half of 2023 will exceed the N100.9 billion collected in the first six months of this year.”
The Customs boss also called for continuous cooperation from all stakeholders and advised traders using PTML to take advantage of the enhanced trade dispute mechanism structures he has established for seamless customs operations.
He emphasized that any delay in the processing of entries results in a delay in trade and revenue, and encouraged compliant traders to see the benefits of abiding by the law.
The CAC urged all importers and their agents using PTML to step forward and initiate the clearing of their cargoes, taking advantage of the operational efficiency template he has put in place.
In terms of exports, the command processed items with a total tonnage of 45,626.39MT, valued at a total free onboard value of N3,022,370,343.38.
During the period under review, the Command intercepted and seized two 40ft containers with a duty paid value of N10,487,800.00. The containers were marked and numbered ACLU9664782 and ACLU9715690, and were transporting 2,598 pieces of used motor tyres, 18 pieces of used washing machines, fridges, used mattresses, and other used household items. Efforts are underway to track down, apprehend, and prosecute the importers responsible for the two seizures.