Revenue collection increased by 50% to N67bn in Q1, says customs PTML command

The Port Terminal Multiservices Limited (PTML) command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) says it collected N67 billion as total revenue for the first quarter (Q1) of 2024.

The NCS said the amount represents a 49.6 percent (or N22.1 billion) increase relative to the N44.7 billion collected between January and March 2023.

The agency disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, signed by Muhammad Yakubu, the command’s public relations officer.

Saidu Abba Yusuf, customs area controller (CAC) of the PTML, described the increase in revenue collection as a laudable feat.

He said the command is committed to trade facilitation and supporting the government’s drive to ensure ease of doing business.

Yusuf thanked Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, comptroller general of NCS, for initiating strategies to achieve faster cargo clearance; reiterating the command’s commitment to surpassing its record of three-hour cargo clearance for compliant traders.

“PTML command has potentials to achieve two hour cargo clearance and surpass its existing three hours record if port users compliance level is improved upon,” the area controller said.

“For the second quarter and first half of the year, officers are enjoined to maximally deploy available technology and rededicate themselves to the job to achieve more.”

Yusuf said the launch of the Time Release Study (TRS), which is ongoing, and other deliberate efforts by the comptroller general, have contributed to the expansion of the terminal space and promoting ease of doing business at the PTML.

He described the command as one of the safest and most secure environments for roll-on-roll-off and general cargoes.

The area controller advised importers and their agents to take advantage of the incentives available for compliant traders such as fast-track, advance ruling, and possible migration to the authorised economic operator (AEO) status.

Yusuf also reminded port users of the robust and time-conscious dispute resolution mechanism, which has contributed immensely to the revenue collection, trade facilitation and anti-smuggling functions of the command.

He said the importation of vehicles meant for Nigerian roads into neighbouring countries with the intent to smuggle them through unapproved routes into Nigeria is unpatriotic, describing it as an act of economic sabotage.

“There is increased anti smuggling vigilance to uncover concealment such as under declaration and smuggling of prohibited items,” he said.

He said any discovered infraction will be punished in line with the Nigeria Customs Service Act (NCSA).

Yusuf commended the federal government and private sector stakeholders for their cooperation and support in achieving the government’s goal of revenue collection and prevention of unlawful activities.